Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed optimism about a potential visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin following the municipal elections in Turkey slated for March 31.
Speaking at a Ramadan iftar dinner attended by foreign ambassadors, Erdogan emphasised the ongoing dialogue between Turkey and its Black Sea neighbours. He highlighted a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul on March 8, stating, "Last Friday, we received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul. And after the elections [in Turkey], we will receive Russian President Vladimir Putin."
Erdogan underscored the importance of considering Russia's position in peace initiatives for resolving the Ukrainian conflict. "We have made significant efforts to seek peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While advocating for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we also assert that any peace plans excluding Russia will prove ineffective," he remarked.
Furthermore, Erdogan outlined Turkey's commitment to ensuring maritime navigation safety in the Black Sea and facilitating secure grain trade operations. "We are dedicated to fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine. We believe that actions escalating conflicts in the region and potentially involving NATO must be avoided," Erdogan concluded.
