Erdogan, Zelenskyy Hold Talks in Istanbul on Ukraine War, Regional Stability
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul on Saturday to discuss efforts aimed at ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, alongside broader regional and global developments, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.
During the meeting, President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, stressing the urgent need for enhanced peace and stability across the region.
He underscored Ankara’s commitment to ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, highlighting its strategic importance for regional trade and security, as well as the need to safeguard energy supply routes.
Erdogan also emphasized Türkiye’s determination to expand bilateral trade ties with Ukraine, noting that Ankara will continue to take necessary steps to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Additionally, the Turkish president expressed satisfaction over Ukraine’s growing engagement with Gulf countries, viewing it as a positive development for regional connectivity and economic collaboration.
The high-level talks followed a telephone conversation held on Friday between President Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
