Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday the Black Sea should not be turned into an area of confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.
“Such a situation would only harm both sides. Everyone needs safe navigation in the Black Sea,” he told reporters aboard his plane returning from Turkmenistan.
Erdogan met Russian President Vladimir Putin at a peace forum in Ashgabat and urged a limited ceasefire to halt strikes on energy and port facilities.
He said Turkey continues to push for dialogue, noting U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement in peace efforts.
The Turkish leader also highlighted economic ties with Turkmenistan, saying Turkish contractors have completed $55 billion in projects since independence and are working on $10 billion more.
He said Ankara aims to raise bilateral trade from $2 billion to $5 billion.
Erdogan said his talks with Putin covered Ukraine and regional issues, describing ties with Russia as built on history and trust. He also met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
On Syria, Erdogan said implementation of the March 10 agreement would strengthen unity and stability.
On Gaza, he accused Israel of violating ceasefire pledges and blocking aid, stressing Turkey is ready to contribute to peace efforts.
He criticized the European Union for stalling Turkey’s membership bid, saying the country has been kept waiting for decades despite its economic and military strength.
He said Turkey continues to expand its defense industry despite restrictions.
Domestically, Erdogan pledged support for clean football after recent scandals, called for a new inclusive constitution, and voiced concern over slowing population growth.
He urged stronger family values and praised Turkey’s expansion of universities nationwide.