President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that among the key topics of talks in Ankara with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were food security, economic cooperation, the release of captives and security guarantees.
The head of the Ukrainian state announced this during a joint press conference with the Turkish President in Ankara, Ukrinform reports.
“We are working with Türkiye and other partners to ensure that the Middle East and Africa are not subjected to this weapon against millions of people called hunger. This is particularly true in Syria, where there is now a good chance for stability and peace. We equally see the need to support the people of Syria now,” Zelensky said.
The parties also discussed Türkiye’s role in the release of captives.
“Of course, we talk to our partners about Ukrainian soldiers and Ukrainian captives held by Russia. Türkiye has already helped with the release of our people, both military and civilians. Today, the Ukrainian delegation includes Nariman Dzhelal. He is the deputy chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, a very respected person in Ukraine. Unfortunately, he was subjected to Russian repressions, was captured when he was returning home, returning to our Ukrainian Crimea. Nariman spent almost three years in Russian detention. Just for being a patriot, just for his position. He did nothing wrong. Fortunately, we managed to release him,” the President said.
He noted that he appointed Nariman Dzhelal as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Türkiye.
“It is very symbolic that he will start his work in the new building of our Ukrainian embassy, which we have officially opened today. Let this opening be a good and important sign. Let all Ukrainian prisoners, our people, return home,” the head of the Ukrainian state said.
According to Zelensky, the meeting with Erdoğan also focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, which are necessary to end the war.
“Today, Europe, NATO countries, the United States could certainly give Ukraine hope, faith in strong security guarantees. The belief that Ukraine will become a NATO member. However, we do not hear such support from the United States today. We know that they and several other European partners do not support our membership in NATO. I think this is a major goal of Russia, and it coincides with this outcome. Then there are security guarantees that can be put in place – a strong Ukrainian army and the possible presence of troops from other countries: Europe, the United States, our partners,” Zelensky said.
He added that the issue of deploying an international contingent to Ukraine was also discussed today.
The meeting also touched upon bilateral economic issues and cooperation between Ukrainian and Turkish societies in education and other areas. Zelensky recalled the projects implemented by the First Ladies of Ukraine and Türkiye, including the support of orphans.
As Ukrinform reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska are in Türkiye on an official visit.
Photo: President’s Office
Source: Zelensky, Erdoğan discuss security guarantees, release of captives, economic cooperation
