Erdogan: European friends should understand Turkey's role in a changing world

(Patria) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country's principled stance that a lasting peace cannot be achieved without the participation of Moscow and Kyiv in resolving the Ukrainian conflict, reported TASS.

„Last week we discussed security issues at an online meeting with the European Union. Recent discussions related to Ukraine have caused concern among EU member states. The European Union is facing one of the biggest security challenges in recent times.

And today the value of Turkey's measured, consistent and principled position in the war between Russia and Ukraine is even better understood. We emphasise that a world without Russia and Ukraine will never be sustainable.“

Speaking about relations with the European Union, Erdogan said that Turkey „wants to develop relations with the EU and pursue the goal of full membership based on mutual respect and common interests“.

Erdogan expressed hope that „the European friends of this country will understand the role of the new Turkey in a changing world and define their strategy accordingly“.