Two leaders discussed the Russia-Ukraine issue, the Turkish presidency said in a statement.

Erdoğan stated that he always attached great importance to the close dialogue developed with Russian President Putin which he said yielded favorable outcomes and that he was determined to maintain this approach, according to the statement.

Stressing that Türkiye didn't recognize the steps that violated Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and that this stance was a matter of principle, Erdoğan stressed the importance of reaching a solution on the basis of Minsk agreements.

Underscoring that the problem getting more complicated and, even worse, a military confrontation would benefit no one, Erdoğan stated that Türkiye, in this spirit, attached importance to the continuation of diplomatic talks and that it, today as well, stood ready to do its part for the de-escalation of tension and the preservation of peace.

Reiterating his call for the resolution of the issue through dialogue, Erdoğan said that diplomacy should be prioritized and that Türkiye maintained its constructive stance within NATO as well.

Erdoğan noted that he would like to welcome Russian President Putin in Türkiye for the High-Level Cooperation Council Meeting as soon as possible, as had been agreed upon during his visit to Sochi in September. (ILKHA)