President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine at the Presidential Complex following their talks.

Stating that he once again told President Zelensky of Ukraine during their talks that Turkey will keep supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, and its territorial and political unity, including Crimea.

"Turkey has and will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea. Our Crimean Tatar brothers and sisters are an important element of the historical and social ties between Turkey and Ukraine," President Erdoğan noted.

"The maintenance of our kinsmen’s presence in their historical homeland, Crimea, preservation of their identity and culture, and ensuring their fundamental rights and freedoms will continue to be our priorities."

Also touching upon the conflicts in Donbass, President Erdoğan expressed his hope that they end in the shortest time possible, adding that he is of the belief that the issue can be resolved within the framework of Ukraine’s territorial integrity in a peaceful manner and in line with the international law.

Stressing that he agreed with President Zelensky to accelerate the works on infrastructure and superstructure investments, President Erdoğan went on to say: "Another important topic during our talks has been cooperation in the area of security and the fight against FETO. In this sense, we appreciate the measures taken by Ukrainian officials. I particularly believe that there are very important steps to be jointly taken by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Turkish Maarif Foundation."

Asked about his assessment of the talks between the Ministry of National Defense and the US delegation, he said: "it was a 3-day interview period. These interviews continued in a really positive direction. These talks will continue again but a step is now being taken."

Stating that he will not provide the date for establishing operation center, President Erdoğan said: "Now the decision has been made to establish an Operations Center with the Americans. The process will be initiated by establishing this operational center."

President Zelensky of Ukraine, for his part, stated that the conflicts in Donbass, the issue of Crimea and other issues have been addressed during the talks, and expressed his thanks for Turkey’s what he called constant support regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Answering reporters’ questions following the remarks, President Erdoğan, in response to a question regarding the talks between the Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. delegation, said the parties have agreed to establish a joint operation center, and that the process will be launched therein with the establishment of the joint operation center.

President Erdoğan hosted an official dinner in honor of President Zelensky of Ukraine after the press conference.

ILKHA