Turkish defence firm chief receives award from Ukraine's Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an award to the head of a Turkish defence firm on Friday in a meeting at an undisclosed location in Ukraine.

Zelensky's office said the leader had given Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar the "Order of Merit, first class".

"The meeting participants focused on the further cooperation of Ukraine with the company to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces," the statement said, adding that the pair also discussed the construction of a Baykar plant in the war torn country.

Baykar's signature Bayraktar TB2 combat drone has been deployed by Kyiv in its fight against the ongoing Russian invasion. Such has been the success of the Bakyatar in holding off the Russian invasion of Ukraine that a song was made about the drone.

Baykar drones have also been used in recent conflicts in Ethiopia and Azerbaijan.

Bayraktar posted a photo of his meeting with Zelensky on Twitter, thanking the Ukrainian leader.

"I would like to thank Mr. President for this valuable recognition. I will continue to strive for a world where peace and justice prevail".