Turkey and Ukraine Strengthen Cooperation Amid Ongoing Conflict: Erdoğan and Zelenskyy Hold Joint Press Conference
Ankara, Turkey – In a significant diplomatic meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint press conference following bilateral talks and the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The meeting took place against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its fourth year, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of peace and strategic partnership.
Key Agreements Signed
The two leaders oversaw the signing of two key agreements:
1. Memorandum of Understanding on Media and Communication Cooperation**: Signed between the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications and Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, this agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in the media and communication sectors.
2. **Education Cooperation Agreement**: Signed between the Turkish and Ukrainian governments, this agreement focuses on enhancing educational ties and exchanges between the two countries.
### Erdoğan’s Remarks: A Call for Peace and Strategic Partnership
President Erdoğan began his speech by expressing condolences to the Ukrainian people for the lives lost in the ongoing conflict. He reiterated Turkey’s commitment to mediating peace efforts, stating, *"There will be no winners in war, and no losers in peace."* He highlighted Turkey’s active diplomatic role since the beginning of the war, including hosting direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in March 2022 and facilitating the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey’s diplomatic efforts align with the recent initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump to negotiate an end to the conflict. He expressed confidence that Turkey, given its neutral and trusted mediator role, would be an ideal host for future talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
The Turkish president also underscored Turkey’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. He called for an immediate end to the war, which has caused immense destruction and loss of innocent lives. Erdoğan further highlighted the importance of ensuring commercial navigation safety in the Black Sea, which he believes could serve as a confidence-building measure in the peace process.
On economic cooperation, Erdoğan noted that despite the challenges posed by the war, bilateral trade between Turkey and Ukraine is steadily progressing toward the $10 billion target. He also mentioned that Turkish companies are eager to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
### Zelenskyy’s Response: Gratitude and Call for Security Guarantees
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Turkey for its consistent support, particularly in safeguarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He acknowledged Turkey’s role in facilitating the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and its efforts in mediating peace talks.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace, emphasizing that any peace agreement must include strong security guarantees for Ukraine. He called for the involvement of international partners, including the United States and European Union, in providing these guarantees to prevent future conflicts.
The Ukrainian president also highlighted the need for prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia. He praised Turkey’s humanitarian efforts, particularly in hosting Ukrainian orphans and supporting their well-being.
### Focus on Strategic Partnership
Both leaders discussed ways to deepen the strategic partnership between Turkey and Ukraine, particularly in trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Zelenskyy expressed optimism that bilateral relations would reach new heights once peace is restored.
### Questions from the Press
During the Q&A session, journalists raised questions about the possibility of a near-term peace agreement and Turkey’s role in the process. Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s readiness to facilitate negotiations, while Zelenskyy emphasized that any peace deal must be fair and involve Ukraine’s direct participation.
When asked about the recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Zelenskyy expressed surprise at not being invited, stating that Ukraine’s absence from such discussions undermines the legitimacy of any peace process. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to a diplomatic solution but insisted that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.
### Conclusion
The meeting between Erdoğan and Zelenskyy underscored the strong bilateral ties between Turkey and Ukraine and their shared commitment to ending the war through diplomacy. While challenges remain, both leaders expressed hope that sustained dialogue and international cooperation could pave the way for a just and lasting peace.
As the conflict continues, Turkey’s role as a mediator and Ukraine’s resilience in defending its sovereignty remain critical to achieving a resolution that ensures stability in the region.
