Foreign Minister Fidan: "The main thing is to achieve sustainable peace"

Addressing the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, Fidan said, "We have come together again in Istanbul within the framework of our ceasefire and peace quest. We are pleased to hold the second round of direct contacts two weeks after May 16. We continue these contacts based on the common will of our leaders. Our President is making maximum efforts to advance the process in constant contact with Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Putin. Indeed, following the first meeting, we had the opportunity to make preparations for today's meeting by visiting Moscow and Kiev last week upon the instructions of our President. We discussed the issue in detail and sincerely with both parties."

Recalling the decisions taken at the first meeting held on May 16, Fidan said, "The parties took important steps to implement the decisions taken at the first meeting. The exchange of one thousand people was completed in a short time. As promised, each side determined their attitudes towards the ceasefire and subsequent steps. They came together today and demonstrated their will to mutually address these attitudes."

"We anticipate addressing the necessary preparations for the leaders' meeting"

Fidan, who said that the conditions of the ceasefire between the two countries will be evaluated in today's meeting, said, "At the same time, we aim to take the process of exchanging prisoners of war one step further with humanitarian considerations. We also plan to discuss the necessary preparations for the leaders' meeting. We see regular meetings as valuable in terms of establishing trust between the parties. By revealing mutual problems and positions, it will be possible to reduce differences of opinion and pave the way for peace. Our basic expectation is that the meetings are productive, concrete progress is achieved in the shortest time possible and the desired result is achieved."

"The main thing is to ensure sustainable peace"

Underlining that they find America's support for the talks important, Fidan said, "Mr. Trump's determination to establish peace has opened a new window of opportunity. What really matters is to establish a sustainable peace. In this way, it will contribute to the solution of many issues experienced in the global arena such as energy, food transportation security. In this process, we, as Turkey, are ready to take any facilitating step. The trust that the two countries with whom we share the same geography have in Türkiye is beyond any consideration for us. The talks you will hold here will be decisive on our common future regionally and globally. The eyes of the whole world are focused on the contacts you will hold here. We wholeheartedly believe that you will take maximum advantage of this opportunity and achieve concrete results that will bring us one step closer to peace."

UAV

Editor: News Center