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President Erdogan and Finnish counterpart Stubb discuss bilateral cooperation

President Erdogan and Finnish counterpart Stubb discuss bilateral cooperation President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hand with Finnish President Alexander Stubb (L) as they pose for a photo during an official ceremony at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on October 01, 2024 (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Mar 18, 2025 3:18 PM

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, focusing on deepening bilateral relations and addressing a range of regional and global issues.

The discussion, which took place on Tuesday, touched on areas such as defense cooperation, counterterrorism, and efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine.

Bilateral relations and defense cooperation

According to information given by the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications, President Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s strong commitment to furthering its cooperation with Finland, particularly in the defense industry and the ongoing fight against terrorism during the call.

He reiterated Türkiye’s full willingness to strengthen ties and work together in multiple sectors, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between the two countries.

President Erdogan and Finnish counterpart Stubb discuss bilateral cooperation
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with Finnish President Alexander Stubb (L) at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye, Oct. 1, 2024. (TUR Presidency/ Murat Cetinmuhurdar – Anadolu Agency)

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Türkiye’s continued efforts for peace

Another key issue addressed during the call was the war in Ukraine.

President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia.

He expressed hope that Russia would respond positively to the call for a cease-fire, emphasizing Türkiye’s active role in supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

President Erdogan and Finnish counterpart Stubb discuss bilateral cooperation
Ukrainian servicemen of the 24th Mechanized Brigade fire a 120mm mortar toward Russian positions at an undisclosed location near Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region on March 17, 2025. (24th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces / Handout / AFP)

Gaza and Israeli attacks

The conversation also touched on the situation in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have once again escalated violence.

President Erdogan strongly condemned the renewed attacks, calling them “unacceptable” and urging the international community to take a stand against what he referred to as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “genocidal policy.”

He stressed the urgency of re-establishing a cease-fire as soon as possible to protect innocent lives and prevent further bloodshed.

President Erdogan and Finnish counterpart Stubb discuss bilateral cooperation
Palestinian families leave the eastern sector of the Gaza Strip on the border with Israel following Israeli airstrikes that targeted northern and other parts of Gaza in the early hours of March 18, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Commitment to global peace and stability

In conclusion, President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s unwavering support for efforts aimed at maintaining global peace and stability.

He emphasized that the international community must take decisive action to address these ongoing crises, ensuring that long-term solutions are found for both Ukraine and Gaza.

Last Updated:  Mar 18, 2025 3:18 PM