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Türkiye taking lead in international diplomacy for peace: President Erdogan

18:3712/05/2025, Monday
U: 12/05/2025, Monday
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 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a statement to the press members after chairing the Cabinet Meeting held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye on May 12, 2025. (AA)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a statement to the press members after chairing the Cabinet Meeting held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye on May 12, 2025. (AA)

Recent contacts in Russia-Ukraine war have opened up new opportunities, says Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that he believes this chance ‘will not be wasted'

Türkiye has become a country which the world sees as a key actor for peace diplomacy, global-scale aid, support, and mediation, the nation's president said Monday.

"Earlier, we spoke with Ukrainian President (Volodymyr) Zelensky. Last week, we also discussed this (Ukraine) issue with US President Trump, talking about the steps we could take to stop the bloodshed,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after chairing a Cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara.


“We also support my dear friend (US President Donald) Trump's will to resolve hot conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Thanks be to God, Türkiye has become a country sought after for aid, support, and mediation in global peace diplomacy,” he added.


Saying that humanity has been going through some of its most painful days in recent years, Erdogan added that nearly every day brings a new conflict, war, or tension.


It is becoming increasingly clear that the world is at a crossroads, said Erdogan, adding that the global order established after World War II “has reached the end of its lifespan, while what will replace it remains a mystery.”


"To put it more clearly, humanity is rapidly being dragged into a whirlpool of uncertainty. Türkiye is one of the countries managing this 'chaotic climate,' which affects everyone – big or small – the best,” he said.


Saying that Türkiye's strength, reputation, and crisis management capacity are being increasingly acknowledged, Erdogan added that recent developments have once again demonstrated this truth.


Sunday was a busy for phone diplomacy, he said, as he had extensive phone calls with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron as well as with Russian President Vladimir Putin.


Türkiye came very close to finding a solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis in March 2022, but “due to the interventions of war profiteers,” the country's efforts were unsuccessful, said Erdogan.


He added that the greatest cost of this failure was borne by “civilians, children, and women."


On ongoing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, Erdogan said that “as the only country trusted by all sides,” Türkiye is ready to contribute to Thursday's Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul and will gladly host them.


Recent contacts in the Russia-Ukraine war have opened up new opportunities, said the Turkish leader, adding that he believes this chance “will not be wasted.”




- Turkish president welcomes ceasefire between Pakistan, India


On tensions between Pakistan and India, Erdogan hailed the recently declared ceasefire between the two, urging both sides to avoid further provocations moving forward.


“We took a very clear stance both on the heinous terrorist attack in (Indian-administered) Jammu and Kashmir and on the missile strikes targeting Pakistan. While openly declaring our support for the brotherly people of Pakistan, we also made intense efforts to de-escalate the tension, which had risen to very dangerous levels,” he said.


He expressed hope the calm achieved via the ceasefire will also help facilitate the resolution of all other issues between the two nations, especially the water dispute.


Ankara will continue to stand by “the brotherly people of Pakistan” in both good times and bad, Erdogan said.


Türkiye consistently supports peace, diplomacy, and cooperation over conflict, Erdogan said, adding that the country rejects zero-sum approaches in international relations and strives for inclusive, win-win solutions through a positive foreign policy agenda.




- ‘Productive' visit to Italy


Describing his April 29 visit to Rome for a Türkiye-Italy Intergovernmental Summit as “productive,” Erdogan underlined the signing of 10 cooperation agreements and a joint declaration.


He noted a target to raise bilateral trade to $40 billion during talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and also met with President Sergio Mattarella.


On his recent visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Erdogan said that Türkiye, as “the motherland and guarantor,” had reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Turkish Cypriots.


On Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's recent visit to Türkiye, Erdogan said the visit included the 4th meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and the signing of 11 agreements.




- Türkiye views PKK's dissolution announcement as decision that includes all its branches


On the announcement by the terrorist group PKK that it is dissolving and disarming itself, Erdogan said this is a key step for the Turkish nation's security, regional peace, and lasting national unity.


“We view the PKK's dissolution announcement as a decision that includes all its branches, especially in northern Iraq, Syria, and Europe,” he added.


In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian affiliate.

#Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
#Europe
#Syria
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