Türkiye ready to host Russia-Ukraine peace talks, Erdogan affirms

President Erdogan declares readiness to mediate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy for a lasting solution

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Türkiye is prepared to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine once again.

In a video message to the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit, Erdogan emphasized his belief in giving diplomacy and dialogue a chance to achieve a “fair and enduring resolution” to the conflict that began in February 2022.

Erdogan stressed the importance of utilizing diplomatic channels at the highest levels to reach this objective, stating, “Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity is widely recognized. We are also dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of our Crimean Tatar compatriots.”

The president expressed his concern over the lack of progress toward the establishment of peace, highlighting the need to convene both parties for any peace initiative to succeed.

“I believe that joint efforts should be launched, at the very least, to define the general parameters of peace,” Erdogan remarked.

He indicated that Türkiye “in principle” supports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-step peace plan and is prepared to aid in the “swift recovery and reconstruction” of the war-torn nation.

Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s leadership in addressing food security issues, mentioning the ongoing importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative that was established through Turkish efforts.

He also emphasized the importance of Black Sea maritime safety regulations and mentioned that Ankara is engaged in discussions for a new U.N.-backed agreement on security commitments.

Internationally recognized for its role as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, Türkiye has consistently urged Kyiv and Moscow to seek an end to hostilities through negotiations.

Türkiye’s peace initiatives have yielded significant outcomes, such as the notable grain agreement in July 2022 and the exchange of prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow chose not to renew the agreement after July 2023, citing limitations on Russian grain exports.

The first meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers hosted by Türkiye took place in the Mediterranean city of Antalya in March 2022.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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