Erdogan: "The peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine should open the door to long-term peace"

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his working visit to Italy, spoke with representatives of the media and spoke about the need to extend the temporary truce between Russia and Ukraine and turn it into a long-term peace agreement.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey has been a supporter of ensuring a just and stable peace between Moscow and Kiev since the beginning of hostilities.

"We have never lost hope for a long-term and stable peace. Even during the most intense and fierce fighting and clashes, Ankara called on the parties to gather around the dialogue table and resume peace talks," the Turkish president said.

At the same time, Erdogan warned that the situation at the most delicate stages of the peace process is extremely sensitive and that this situation can be used for various intrigues and external interference.

"We must not allow this process to be "poisoned". Russia and Ukraine must show a genuine and sincere approach to the issue of peace. The war must finally end, because this is of great importance not only for the two countries, but also for the security of the entire world," the politician said.

According to the Turkish leader, the parties that suffered the most from this war are Russia and Ukraine themselves.

"When a just peace is established, there will be no losers. For the prospects of a reliable and long-term peace, Moscow and Kiev must take concrete steps to create an atmosphere of mutual trust. Turkey, in turn, will continue to actively contribute to this process," Erdogan noted.

The politician also touched upon the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that the situation on the island can only be resolved by recognizing the existence of two sovereign states.

"Ankara will continue to intensify efforts to have the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognized internationally. I think the entire Turkic world will continue to support our brothers on the island," the Turkish leader said.

During the conversation, Erdogan also expressed his opinion on the current situation in Syria, noting that the biggest threat to the country still remains terrorist organizations. He described the proposals to transform Syria into a federal state as "fantasies and ideas far from reality." Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!