Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Kiev at the invitation of
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Ankara seeks to defuse tensions
between Russia and Ukraine.
Erdogan's visit on Thursday (3/2/2022) came against the backdrop of Turkey's
offer to act as a mediator in the ongoing crisis.
Ahead of his departure from Ankara, Erdogan said, "We hope to stop all forms
of confrontation between Russia and Ukraine."
In Kiev, Erdogan and Zelenskyy attended the 10th meeting of the High-Level
Strategic Council between the two countries.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues and
discussed the possibility of further deepening bilateral cooperation.
They are also expected to sign various agreements and memorandums of
understanding, including the historic free trade deal.
"Our relations with Ukraine have made remarkable progress in recent years on
the basis of mutual understanding, trust and common interests," the Turkish
Foreign Ministry said, marking the 30th year of diplomatic relations between
the two countries.
The statement added that the relationship, which is currently at the level
of strategic partnership, contributes to the peace, stability and prosperity
of the region.
The visit underscores Turkey's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity
and sovereignty, while reaffirming Ankara does not recognize the "illegal
annexation of Crimea".
Ahead of Erdogan's visit, Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin and
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan discussed the crisis in Ukraine.
The White House said in a statement on Tuesday that the two officials spoke
of their commitment to "prevent further Russian aggression against Ukraine".
Turkey offered in November to mediate on the crisis, and diplomatic sources
said last month both Russia and Ukraine were open to the idea of Ankara's
aid.
Turkey is a maritime neighbor of Ukraine and Russia, on the Black Sea, and
has good relations with both. Erdogan has said earlier that Turkey does not
want war between Russia and Ukraine and hopes the issue will be resolved
peacefully.
With Russia stationed around 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, the
West fears Moscow is planning an invasion.
Russia denies the accusations and says it is free to move its troops within
its territory.
