President Erdoğan's message to Ukraine: 'Our support remains steadfast'

President Erdoğan sent a video message to the '4th Crimea Platform Leaders' Summit.' In his message, Erdoğan drew attention to the close relations between Ukraine and Turkey and stated that Crimea should be returned to Ukraine. Erdoğan also noted that Turkey is working to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the annexation of Crimea has further deepened the suffering, saying, 'Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains steadfast. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law.'

DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE SUFFERING OF CRIMEAN TATARS

Addressing the participants, President Erdoğan made the following remarks:

'President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and esteemed heads of state and government, our dear Crimean Tatar Turkic kin. I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings and respect. I am very pleased to reach you via video message at the 4th Leaders' Summit of the Crimea Platform. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organization of this exceptional summit, especially Mr. Zelenskyy and the national leader of the Crimean Tatars, Mr. Mustafa Kırımoğlu. This year's summit coincides with the 80th anniversary of the exile of the Crimean Tatar people. The pain of the tragedy faced by our Crimean Tatar Turkic kin, who were forcibly removed from their homeland, has not subsided for 80 years, and their wounds have not healed.'

'THE ANNEXATION OF CRIMEA HAS DEEPENED THE SUFFERING'

Stating that the annexation of Crimea, which Turkey has opposed and refused to recognize since the first day, has further deepened the suffering, Erdoğan made the following assessment:

'Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains steadfast. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our Crimean Tatar Turkic kin, who are among the indigenous peoples of Crimea, is also among the priorities of our foreign policy. I would like to express once again my satisfaction with the legal regulations pioneered by the Ukrainian government to strengthen the rights of Crimean Tatar Turks. I believe that additional steps will continue to be taken in the coming period to consolidate the rights of Crimean Tatar Turks.'

'ENDING THE WAR IS OUR PRIMARY WISH'

President Erdoğan stated that Crimean Tatar Turks have the right to lead a free, safe, and peaceful life in their own homeland.

Emphasizing peace at the end of his message, Erdoğan noted the following:

'It is gratifying that Deputy Chairman of the Crimean Tatar National Assembly Nariman Celal was released in June after nearly 3 years of captivity. We expect all our Crimean Tatar kin, including brothers Hasan and Aziz Ahmedov, to regain their freedom as soon as possible. Our sincere wish is for the war to be ended with a just and lasting peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. I hope that the work we carry out within the platform will contribute to international efforts aimed at establishing peace in Crimea, in Ukraine, and in our region. On the 80th anniversary of their exile, I once again respectfully commemorate the cherished memories of our Crimean Tatar Turkic kin who have passed away.'

News Source: İHA