“Istanbul talks constitute an important milestone in efforts toward a diplomatic solution”

 

Speaking at a joint press conference with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, President Erdoğan said: “During today's talks, we discussed the need to continue the Istanbul Process with a pragmatic and results-oriented approach. We stated that we believe the Istanbul talks constitute an important milestone in efforts toward a diplomatic solution at a time when the devastating impacts of the war are deepening for both sides.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered remarks at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

Voicing his happiness to host President Zelenskyy in Ankara, President Erdoğan said: “As you will recall, we hosted him two more times this year. We exchanged views on resolving the war in Ukraine as well as on our bilateral relations. Immediately after the President's last visit in May, we hosted direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, which had been initiated more than three years ago.”

“WE DISCUSSED THE NEED TO CONTINUE ISTANBUL PROCESS WITH A PRAGMATIC AND RESULTS-ORIENTED APPROACH”

Stating that progress had been made in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, particularly on humanitarian issues, and that the parties had been able to directly discuss ceasefire and views about peace as well as military issues President Erdoğan highlighted all of these as valuable steps, and said: “During today's talks, we discussed the need to continue the Istanbul Process with a pragmatic and results-oriented approach. We stated that we believe the Istanbul talks constitute an important milestone in efforts toward a diplomatic solution at a time when the devastating impacts of the war are deepening for both sides. Especially, the increasing attacks on energy infrastructure and the loss of lives cause irreparable devastation to both sides. We believe it would be beneficial for the Istanbul process, with a more comprehensive framework, to be resumed in a way that can address the now-acute problems. We expect all our partners, who wish to see the bloodshed in the region come to an end, to display a constructive approach toward the Istanbul process.”

“We have reaffirmed our commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of our strategic partner Ukraine. In this regard, I would also like to note our support for the Crimean Tatars, with whom we share a unique historical and cultural bond,” President Erdoğan said.

“WE AIM TO INCREASE OUR BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME TO $10 BILLION”

“Despite all the challenges of the war, we aim to increase our bilateral trade volume to $10 billion. With the support of Turkish entrepreneurs who have not abandoned the country under these difficult conditions and courageously continued their work, we want to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction. However, we always stand ready to discuss proposals with Russia that will accelerate the ceasefire and pave the way for a fair and lasting peace. In this context, we also value the involvement of our ally, the United States, in the process,” President Erdoğan said.

President Erdoğan also reiterated his condolences to the friendly Ukrainian people for those who lost their lives in the war.