Turkish President confirms readiness to make every effort to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine
The Turkish President confirmed his country's readiness to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine during a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Istanbul, Oct 31 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed on Saturday that his country is ready to make every possible effort to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine. Erdogan’s stance came during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, following talks that focused on bilateral relations and regional and international developments, foremost among them the Russia-Ukraine war.
Erdogan said he had held extensive discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart on diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war and on security developments in the Black Sea. He added, “We welcome the resumption of efforts to end the war through diplomatic means,” praising the efforts undertaken by US President Donald Trump in this regard.
On the situation in the Black Sea, the Turkish president warned that targeting civilian ships and steps leading to heightened tensions in the Black Sea would not serve the interests of any party. He clarified, “We have been making active efforts since the start of the war to maintain security and stability in the Black Sea, but we have recently witnessed clashes extending into the Black Sea alongside rising tensions.” He reiterated that steps escalating tensions in the Black Sea, particularly attacks on civilian vessels, “would not benefit any party.”
He expressed his belief that reaching an understanding on navigation security in the Black Sea “would give momentum to efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.”
For his part, Zelensky affirmed that Turkey supports steps aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea and restoring normal conditions. He thanked President Erdogan for his readiness to support all promising developments that could enable Ukraine to achieve genuine peace and security through clear and comprehensive cooperation. He noted that “Turkey consistently supports steps that can ensure our sovereignty, the integrity of our territory, and navigation security in the Black Sea, and restore normal living conditions to the Black Sea region.” He stressed the necessity of “sending a message to Russia that there is no alternative to peace at all levels, and that support for Ukraine will not waver.”
The visit comes within the framework of Turkish efforts to maintain communication channels with Kyiv and Moscow, enhance Ankara’s diplomatic role in seeking a settlement to the war, and simultaneously safeguard Turkish economic and security interests linked to the Black Sea. (End)
