The key facts

  • Erdogan, upon returning from Azerbaijan, called the ties between Ankara and Baku unbreakable
  • Turkey is ready to once again host Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul
  • COP31 opened on Monday in Antalya; the agenda includes climate justice and green industrialization

Statements following the visit to Baku

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking to journalists on Monday upon his return from Azerbaijan, said that the brotherhood of Turkey and Azerbaijan remains unbreakable and that attempts to undermine relations between the two countries will fail, Anadolu reports. He described Ankara and Baku as two brotherly states bound by friendship, solidarity and a shared history, and said that no one can destroy their relations. According to him, those who seek to harm bilateral ties have failed to recognize the mutual affection, historical bonds and determination of the Turkish and Azerbaijani peoples. About his visit, Erdogan said that he warmly embraced Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Russia — Ukraine: readiness to host talks again

Touching on the Russia-Ukraine war, Erdogan said that Turkey is conducting intensive diplomatic work to bring about a complete end to the conflict. He expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump's efforts to achieve peace and stated that Ankara supports initiatives aimed at ending the war. Turkey, he said, is ready to once again host talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul; he also expressed greater hope for a peaceful settlement through diplomatic means.

Iran, the climate summit and Cyprus

On regional matters, Erdogan stated that Turkey does not want to see a new wave of attacks against Iran or further destabilization of the region, emphasizing Ankara's opposition to developments that could provoke new hostilities. Regarding the UN climate summit COP31, which opened on Monday in Antalya, he said: The world is our home, and we have no right to pollute it. In Antalya, we will discuss concrete steps for the common future of humanity. According to him, Turkey attaches particular importance to climate justice, and the summit's agenda includes raising awareness, green industrialization, sustainable cities and climate action. On Cyprus, Erdogan reiterated Ankara's position: The time has come to recognize the reality that there are two separate peoples and two separate states on the island.