Turkey and Germany want to step up diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the Ukrainian conflict

During a joint press conference held in Ankara with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey and Germany had agreed to intensify their diplomatic efforts to reach a solution to the war in Ukraine, while by taking measures to protect European security.

President Erdogan said Turkey and Germany are determined to increase their bilateral trade volume to $50 billion. Germany is already the first importer of Turkish products.

The German Chancellor also called on Russian President Putin to end the war in Ukraine “now”, adding that protecting refugees is “our humanitarian responsibility.”

The war, launched by Russia on February 24, has caused an influx of Ukrainian refugees to other countries – 2.8 million at last count, according to the UN refugee agency.

Scholz also said that the closure of the Turkish straits to warships, in accordance with the Montreux Convention, is an important contribution to peace for which he thanked Turkey.

The German Chancellor underlined the importance of cooperation in the field of energy between the EU and Turkey, adding that the high-level dialogue formats between Turkey and the EU will be activated.

Germany and its new government are determined to assess the potential for developing relations with Turkey, stressed Scholz, who took office last December, succeeding Angela Merkel, who served as chancellor for 16 years.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began on February 24, has drawn condemnation from the international community, led to financial sanctions against Moscow and caused the exodus of international companies from Russia.

According to the United Nations, at least 596 civilians have been killed and 1,067 others injured in Ukraine since the start of the war, while specifying however that these figures are difficult to verify.

Source Anadolu Agency