Erdogan Affirms Commitment to “Fair Peace” Efforts in Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: In a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s dedication to fostering a “fair peace” between Russia and Ukraine. President Erdogan affirmed Turkey’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine while emphasizing the importance of seeking a resolution through diplomatic negotiations.

“Turkey will continue its efforts to end the war with a fair peace based on negotiations,” President Erdogan stated, highlighting the nation’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties. He further extended an invitation for Turkey to host a peace summit, welcoming the participation of both Russia and Ukraine.

President Erdogan expressed Turkey’s robust support for the reconstruction of war-stricken Ukraine, pledging strong assistance in the post-conflict rebuilding process. He underlined Turkey’s significant role in providing humanitarian aid through initiatives like the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which facilitated the delivery of nearly 33 million tons of grain to those in need, effectively averting a potential global food crisis.

“We are pleased that our bilateral trade remains stable despite the war,” President Erdogan remarked, emphasizing the resilience of economic relations between Turkey and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. He expressed optimism about the positive impact of the free trade agreement with Ukraine, urging its swift implementation to invigorate and strengthen bilateral ties.

President Erdogan concluded by asserting that the collaborative efforts between Turkey and Ukraine, both in diplomatic initiatives and trade agreements, will contribute to stability, prosperity, and the establishment of lasting peace in the region.