Return of Crimea to Ukraine requirement of international law: Erdogan
Türkiye’s President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul, Türkiye March 8, 2024. (Photo via Turkish Presidential Press Office)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasizing the return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law.
Erdogan made the statement during a video address to the 4th Crimea Platform Leaders’ Summit.
In his address, Erdogan expressed solidarity with Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar community. “We have consistently supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law,” Erdogan said, highlighting Türkiye’s long-standing stance against the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia.
Support for Crimean Tatars a priority for Türkiye
Erdogan acknowledged the 80th anniversary of the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people from their homeland, stating that the pain of the forced exile still resonates. He emphasized that the rights and well-being of Crimean Tatars remain a key priority in Türkiye’s foreign policy.
“The suffering of our Crimean Tatar brothers and sisters, who were forcibly removed from their homeland, has not diminished in 80 years. The annexation of Crimea has only deepened their pain. Ensuring the safety and well-being of Crimean Tatars is among the priorities of our foreign policy,” Erdogan said.
Pursuit of peace and justice in Ukraine
President Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen the rights of Crimean Tatars, calling for further steps to ensure their freedom and prosperity. He also welcomed the recent release of Crimean Tatar National Assembly Deputy Chairman Neriman Celal after nearly three years in captivity.
Looking ahead, Erdogan stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “We sincerely hope for a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence.”
In closing, Erdogan paid tribute to the Crimean Tatars who passed away in exile and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to contributing to international efforts aimed at restoring peace in Crimea, Ukraine, and the broader region.
