Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that at this stage, the issues of sovereignty and ceasefire should be addressed separately to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine. The Minister made this statement during his speech at the XI Global Baku Forum.
"As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, there are no indications that it will come to an end anytime soon. It requires enormous human resources on both sides and the infrastructure has suffered severe damage. There appears to be a stagnation in hostilities. A negotiation process should be initiated. This war is unfolding in Europe in the 21st century, and Ukraine is currently faced with the challenge of addressing the issues of sovereignty and ceasefire separately.
According to Fidan, "the call for negotiations is not a sign of surrender or withdrawal, but rather a means to find a solution between the two parties."
Regarding the situation concerning the safety of movement of commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Fidan emphasised the significance of the grain initiative for global food security and noted that navigational safety continues to be a top priority for Türkiye and its partners. "It is crucial to address this issue considering the changing global landscape and the withdrawal of support by both Ukraine and Russia," Fidan stated.