Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed his country's readiness to make any effort possible to achieve a lasting and fair peace in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul. Erdoğan highlighted that previous talks hosted by Turkey between Ukraine and Russia have shown that diplomacy can lead to tangible results.
Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey will not accept attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea, regardless of who carries them out or the reasons behind them. He urged all parties to act responsibly and avoid escalating tensions. The Turkish President also stated that his country will continue to engage in talks with all parties involved, including Russia, to restore the security of ships in the Black Sea and accelerate efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine.
The conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant escalation of tensions in the Black Sea, with attacks on civilian ships and increased military presence in the region. Erdoğan warned that such actions will only exacerbate the situation and harm the interests of all parties involved. He stressed that Turkey is committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and will continue to work towards this goal.
During the press conference, Erdoğan and Zelenskyy also discussed the security situation in the Black Sea and ways to ensure the safety of ships navigating the region. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in achieving this goal.
Erdoğan reiterated Turkey's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, describing Ukraine as a strategic ally of Turkey. He also welcomed the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, signed in 2022, which is expected to boost economic and trade relations between them.
The Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and Ukraine is expected to increase trade between the two countries to $10 billion. Erdoğan noted that Turkish companies that have continued to operate in Ukraine during the conflict will play a crucial role in the country's reconstruction efforts once the situation stabilizes.
Erdoğan concluded by emphasizing Turkey's commitment to supporting a lasting peace in Ukraine and its readiness to engage in efforts to achieve this goal. He expressed his hope that the international community will work together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict and restore stability to the region.
Key points
- Turkey is ready to make efforts for a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.
- Erdoğan and Zelenskyy discussed the security situation in the Black Sea and ways to ensure the safety of ships navigating the region.
- Turkey supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.
