Türkiye pushes to revive Istanbul talks on Ukraine war with plan to address acute issues: President Erdoğan

Türkiye believes it would be beneficial for the Istanbul process on the Ukraine war to be implemented with "a comprehensive framework that can address acute problems, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told a Wednesday news conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy .

Stressing that Türkiye hosted three rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine during which "progress was made," Erdoğan said: "Furthermore, the parties were able to directly address ceasefire and peace talks, as well as military matters.

"We consider all of these to be valuable steps."

"The Istanbul talks constitute an important milestone in diplomatic efforts at a time when the devastating effects of the (Russia-Ukraine) war are deepening," Erdoğan said, underlining the importance of the talks organized through Türkiye's mediation to end the ongoing war.

Increasing attacks on energy infrastructure and the resulting loss of life are causing irreparable damage for both sides, the Turkish president added.

Erdoğan voiced Ankara's readiness to discuss with Moscow "any proposals that would accelerate a ceasefire, paving the way for just, lasting peace."

Türkiye expects all partners who want to stop the bloodshed between Russia and Ukraine to take a constructive stance on the Istanbul process, he urged.

'WE AIM TO INCREASE OUR BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME TO $10 BILLION'

The meeting between the leaders also addressed bilateral issues, Erdoğan said.

Reaffirming Ankara's commitment to the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine, he said Türkiye's support for the Crimean Tatars, "with whom we share a unique historical and cultural bond," will continue.

The Turkish president said that "despite all challenges of the war, we aim to increase our bilateral trade volume to $10 billion."

"We desire to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction efforts with the support of Turkish entrepreneurs who courageously continued their work by not abandoning the country (Ukraine) under these difficult circumstances," Erdoğan added.