Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Ankara remains ready to do everything within its means to help bring the Russia-Ukraine war to a lasting peace.
Erdogan met with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Turkish House, or Turkevi, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The leaders discussed bilateral relations, the Russia-Ukraine war and regional developments, according to Türkiye's Communications Directorate.
"During the meeting, President Erdogan stated that Türkiye is always ready to do its utmost to ensure the Ukraine-Russia war concludes with a lasting peace, and that efforts to revitalise direct negotiations will continue," the directorate said in a statement.
Erdogan also stressed the need to take steps to ensure navigational safety in the Black Sea, saying there could be no justification for attacks on commercial vessels.
"Emphasising that it is necessary to take steps to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, President Erdogan stressed that there can be no justification for attacks on commercial vessels, and said that Türkiye expects all parties to act responsibly," the statement added.
The president also told Zelenskyy that it is necessary to take steps regarding the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, that attacks on commercial vessels are "unjustifiable," and that Türkiye expects responsible behaviour from the parties involved.
Erdogan added Ankara would continue efforts to strengthen relations with Ukraine, emphasising that increased cooperation in areas including energy, mining and the defence industry would benefit both countries.
