Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Saturday that in the negotiations with the Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky in Istanbul confirmed the decision of Ankara not to recognize the annexation of the Crimea. This was reported to the Turkish leader at a press conference, the broadcast of which led TRT TV channel, reports TASS.
“We are in favor of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We have confirmed our principal decision not to recognize the annexation of the Crimea. We stated that we support the initiative of Ukraine in the form of the” Crimean Platform “, which is aimed at rapprochement of the international community in the Crimea. We hope that this The initiative will bring positive results for all the peoples of the Crimea, including the Crimean Tatars, and Ukraine, “said Erdogan.
He also noted that Turkey and Ukraine agreed to continue the strategic partnership.
Turkey considers it a goal to ensure safety and calm in the Black Sea, said Erdogan.
He argues that Turkey and Ukraine’s cooperation in the defense industry is not directed against any third party. “We started new consultations in format 2 + 2 (negotiations of the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the two countries), so we strengthen the coordination between our countries. Our cooperation in the defense industry is in no way an initiative directed against third countries,” said President of Turkey.