Erdogan: Ukraine deserves NATO membership

Turkey supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, which deserves to be a NATO member. Turkey is also ready to make efforts to establish a just peace and actively contribute to the reconstruction of our country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this following a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Ukraine deserves NATO membership. And in your presence, I want to emphasize once again that no one will lose from the coming of a just peace. We will provide any support to help Ukraine get back on its feet," Erdogan said, adding that Turkish construction companies are ready to join the rebuilding of Ukraine.

The Turkish leader emphasized: "From the annexation of Crimea, contrary to international law, to the present day, we have declared on all platforms our support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. And we have demonstrated our solidarity with Ukraine in practice by providing concrete assistance in the political, economic, humanitarian, and technical spheres. We have also become the country that is making the greatest efforts to end the war."

Erdogan also called for the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"On July 17, this initiative will expire, thanks to which about 33 million tons of grain have been delivered to those who need it through the Turkish straits within one year... I wish this initiative to continue. I am convinced that all stakeholders will act to this end, realizing their global responsibility," the Turkish President said.

He emphasized that Turkey is ready to continue its efforts to establish a just peace in Ukraine.

Answering a question about the possible release of political prisoners and prisoners of war in Russia, Erdogan assured of continuing efforts in this direction, including dialogue with Russia, and announced the visit of the Russian president to Turkey next week.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 08/07/2023