Erdogan Optimistic on Ukraine Peace, Stresses Türkiye’s Role in Regional Stability

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed optimism about the prospects for peace in Ukraine, saying further diplomatic engagement could soon follow initiatives led by Moscow and Washington, after holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Erdogan made the remarks to reporters aboard his return flight on Friday from Turkmenistan, where he attended the International Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat. He said Ankara would also engage with United States President Donald Trump to assess a potential peace plan.

“After this meeting with Putin, we hope to have the opportunity to also discuss the peace plan with US President Trump. Peace is not far off; we can see it,” Erdogan said, referring to his bilateral talks with the Russian leader held on the sidelines of the forum.

The Turkish president noted that his discussions with Putin focused on ongoing conflicts and diplomatic initiatives launched with the involvement of President Trump. “We evaluated the contributions our country can make to peace efforts. We view positively the dialogue initiated through the efforts of Mr. Trump,” he said.

Erdogan stressed that Türkiye’s position in the Ukraine peace process is well understood by all parties. “We mainly talked about the war and peace efforts. Mr. Putin, like all other actors, knows very well where Türkiye stands on this issue,” he added.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed the need to convene again in the near future. Erdogan said Putin had reiterated his commitment to such engagement, expressing hope that a follow-up visit would take place soon.

“Our relations with Russia are not driven by day-to-day calculations of interest. They are built on a deep historical foundation, a strong diplomatic framework, and mutual trust,” Erdogan underlined.

Addressing regional security, Erdogan cautioned against turning the Black Sea into a zone of confrontation. “The Black Sea should not be seen as an arena of rivalry. This would not benefit Russia or Ukraine,” he said, emphasizing that freedom and safety of navigation in the Black Sea are essential and must be guaranteed.

Türkiye–Turkmenistan ties

Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen relations with Turkmenistan, noting that economic and commercial ties between the two countries remain strong. He said Turkish companies have completed projects worth about $55 billion in Turkmenistan since its independence, with 19 projects valued at $10 billion currently underway.

In this context, Turkmenistan ranks second after Russia in terms of the number of projects implemented by Turkish companies, he said. Erdogan added that Ankara aims to increase bilateral trade volume from more than $2 billion in 2024 to $5 billion.

Recalling that Turkmenistan obtained permanent neutrality status through a United Nations General Assembly decision on December 12, 1995, Erdogan said Ashgabat has successfully maintained this status for three decades. He noted that Turkmenistan is making special efforts to transform neutrality into a philosophy of peace, adding that Türkiye has been among the leading supporters of the country’s neutral status.

“We will continue to support Turkmenistan’s vision of building peace on the basis of neutrality,” Erdogan said.

EU accession, Syria and Gaza

Commenting on Türkiye’s bid to join the European Union, Erdogan urged the bloc to adopt a strategic vision. “It would also be a gain for Europe to look at our relations with a strategic vision. The steps that will come from Europe will shape the next phase of the process,” he said.

On Syria, Erdogan emphasized the importance of the March 10 agreement, describing it as critical for the country’s future. He said Türkiye seeks prosperity for all Syrians regardless of ethnicity or sect, adding that past divisions and conflicts have brought no benefit to Syria.

Turning to Gaza, Erdogan called on Israel to fully comply with its ceasefire commitments. “It is essential that Israel fulfill its promises, fully comply with the ceasefire, and allow life in Gaza to return to normal,” he said, stressing that the security problem created by Israel must be resolved.

Asked whether Türkiye would take part in a peace council expected to be formed following a ceasefire in Gaza, Erdogan said Ankara had not yet received any formal request. “As long as such meetings are held for peace, we are ready at any moment,” he added.