World Bulletin / News Desk

Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz has described Ukraine as a “vital partner” in the region.

Yilmaz visited Ukraine on Thursday as part of a trading and economic cooperation meeting.

After meeting Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, Yilmaz told reporters that Turkey would continue to support Kyiv in achieving "peace and prosperity".

"We see Ukraine as one of our vital partners in the region," Yilmaz said.

The Turkish minister said trading volume between the two countries had surpassed $4 billion in 2015, said there was the potential to surpass this.

Yilmaz said he hopes a free-trade agreement will be signed by the two countries by the end of 2016, adding that it will boost trade volume.

Groysman said the two countries were "laying the foundations" of better relations in politics, economics and defense.

"We are ready to sign the free-trade agreement; we are ready to boost our political and economic relations," Groysman added.