By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, while condemning attacks on civilian vessels and warning against escalating tensions in the Black Sea.
Erdoğan made the remarks on Saturday, October 31, 2026, after hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an official visit to Türkiye, where both leaders discussed renewed diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea.
The Turkish leader expressed satisfaction with the renewed momentum behind diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict, particularly efforts involving United States President Donald Trump, and pledged that Türkiye would continue contributing to efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.
He stressed that Ankara remained prepared to make every possible effort to facilitate negotiations, noting that Türkiye had been actively working to preserve security and stability in the Black Sea since the outbreak of the war.
However, Erdoğan expressed concern that the intensification of hostilities was increasingly spilling over into the Black Sea, warning that attacks on civilian vessels and actions capable of escalating tensions would serve no one’s interests.
“We can in no way accept these attacks, regardless of their source or justification,” he declared, calling on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and act responsibly.
He further disclosed that Türkiye would sustain diplomatic engagements with the parties to the conflict to restore safe navigation in the Black Sea and prevent further deterioration of maritime security.
On bilateral relations, Erdoğan reiterated Ankara’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, describing the country as a strategic partner of Türkiye.
He also highlighted progress in economic cooperation between both countries, noting that the Free Trade Agreement signed in 2022 officially entered into force on October 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral trade and economic relations.
According to him, the agreement has brought both countries closer to their target of achieving $10 billion in bilateral trade volume.
Erdoğan also expressed confidence that Turkish companies which had maintained their operations and commitments in Ukraine despite the challenges posed by the war would play significant roles in the country’s eventual reconstruction.
He said the Turkish government remained committed to strengthening economic ties with Kyiv while supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict and restoring lasting stability in the region.
