Türkiye ready to host key negotiations for Ukraine peace, says Erdogan

Türkiye is an impeccable platform for possible negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukrainian crisis, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Ankara.

"Türkiye is an ideal place for possible negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in the coming period," Erdogan emphasized, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

During the meeting, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's readiness to provide comprehensive assistance to ensure a sustainable and lasting peace agreement between the conflicting parties. He underscored the urgent necessity of ending the war, highlighting the immense human and material costs the conflict has inflicted.

"There are no losers from achieving peace. Now, the entire world community is waiting for peace to be achieved in the war between Russia and Ukraine," the Turkish leader pointed out.

Expressing condolences to the Ukrainian people for the lives lost in the war, now in its fourth year, Erdogan acknowledged that Zelenskyy's visit came at a time when the fundamental dynamics of the conflict were poised for significant shifts.

He further noted that the diplomatic initiative launched by US President Donald Trump to hasten the war's conclusion through negotiations aligns with the policy Türkiye has upheld for the past three years.

"Since the first day of the war, we have made intensive efforts to establish peace through negotiations, recognizing that 'war has no winners, peace has no losers,'" Erdogan stated.

"In this direction, we organized direct talks between the two countries in Istanbul in March 2022. As a result of our contacts with the parties, we facilitated the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Over the past three years, we have engaged in direct initiatives with both Russia and Ukraine at all levels. Throughout these efforts, we have sincerely tried to be a reliable mediator for both sides and have achieved concrete results."

Erdogan highlighted the significance of the Istanbul talks, describing them as a crucial reference point where the parties had come closest to reaching an agreement. He reiterated Türkiye's willingness to host upcoming negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

"During my meeting with Mr. Zelenskyy, I expressed Türkiye's strong support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. I emphasized that we will provide all possible support to conclude the negotiation process with lasting peace. This war, which has resulted in the death of many innocent people and caused massive destruction, must come to an end."

Erdogan also stressed Türkiye's ongoing commitment to ensuring the security of commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

"We believe that such an arrangement in the Black Sea will serve as an important confidence-building measure in the negotiation process," he noted.

The meeting also focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Ukraine. Erdogan reiterated the goal of reaching $10 billion in bilateral trade, despite the difficulties caused by the war.

"An important part of our agenda with Mr. Zelenskyy was devoted to enhancing our strategic partnership relations. We discussed steps to strengthen our commercial ties further in the coming period. Despite the hardships caused by the war, we are determined to take firm steps toward achieving our $10 billion trade goal."

Additionally, Erdogan conveyed Türkiye's commitment to assisting Ukraine in post-war reconstruction efforts.

"I conveyed to President Zelenskyy that Turkish companies are ready to support Ukraine in rebuilding and repairing the devastation caused by the war. I sincerely believe that with the establishment of peace in Ukraine, our relations will reach an even higher level in line with our strategic partnership."

Erdogan also acknowledged Ukraine’s support for Crimean Tatars and expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian leadership.

"I would like to express my gratitude to my dear friend Zelenskyy for the courageous steps taken regarding the rights of our Crimean Tatar compatriots, who continue to fight for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. I hope that additional steps will follow."

The Turkish president emphasized that both his diplomatic efforts with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the discussions led by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan would be instrumental in paving the way for peace.

"I hope that both during the meetings of the Turkish Foreign Minister with his colleagues and during my meetings with Mr. Putin, we will pave the way for peace, take the necessary steps, and achieve it."

During the press conference, a Ukrainian journalist asked Erdogan about Türkiye's stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response, he reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering position:

"The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine are very important to us. We have always expressed Türkiye’s respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. We have continuously raised this issue in all international meetings and will continue to do so. Moving forward, ensuring Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains a key priority for us. We hope that peace will be achieved as soon as possible."

Erdogan also thanked Ukraine for supplying 30,000 tons of grain to Syria, recognizing the significance of this contribution during such challenging times.

The joint press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of Türkiye's role as a key mediator and its commitment to fostering diplomatic solutions that will bring lasting peace to Ukraine and the wider region.

By Tamilla Hasanova