His wide-ranging speech addressed issues such as Türkiye’s humanitarian assistance to other countries in the region. COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic efforts towards Ukraine, as well as the need for greater collective action to address global challenges, including the effects of war.
The pandemic has caused supply chain problems, hitting the global economy hard. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has added to these woes, sending food and fuel prices soaring around the world that are putting efforts to end hunger and poverty at risk.
Calling for Unity
Mr. Erdoğan called for international cooperation and solidarity. “Against the challenges that determine our common destiny, we need to move forward together,” he said, through an interpreter.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, he noted that the conflict has now crossed the 7-month threshold.
“We think the war will never be won, and a fair peace process will have no losers,” he said.
‘An important deal’
The Turkish president said that Ukraine’s initiative to export grain through the Black Sea is the result of diplomatic efforts together with the UN Secretary-General.
Agreement for Black Sea Grains Initiative was signed in Istanbul in July.
“This is an important agreement made together with the United Nations and it is one of the greatest achievements of the United Nations in recent decades,” said Mr. Erdoğan.
“And I think the international community has restored its confidence in the United Nations as a result of the Istanbul Convention, because the Istanbul Convention proves once again that negotiations can yield results, especially on issues that are important to all parties involved.”
He added that “a similar approach has been assumed by us when it comes to the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant which is threatening the security of the globe”.
Support Turkish initiatives
As the conflict escalates, Erdoğan said Türkiye is investing great efforts to ensure “that the war will be ended by defending Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty once and for all.”
He called on the international community to support his country’s peace initiatives for this purpose.
“We need a decent way out of this crisis. And that can only be done through a reasonable, fair and applicable diplomatic solution.”
Mr. Erdogan spoke for nearly half an hour, covering other aspects of Türkiye’s foreign policy, under the theme of “reconciliation for peace”.
He stressed the need for a peaceful and lasting solution to the Syrian conflict, warning that the fighting threatens both the country and the region.
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