Turkiye is only country to meet with both Russia, Ukraine amid war: Parliament speaker

BELGRADE, Serbia

Turkiye is the only country that could meet with both Russia and Ukraine during the war, Turkish parliament speaker Mustafa Sentop said Tuesday.

"These talks do not mean adopting the policies of these countries. As Turkiye, we want the conflict to end. Everyone appreciates Turkiye right now. Today, the UN Secretary-General met with our president before meeting with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. What is the reason for this? If you follow the right policies and if you stand behind them, you will get results,'' Sentop said during his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He was speaking during a fast-breaking dinner for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at the Travnik Cultural Center in the city of Travnik.

Sentop emphasized that the preservation of peace and stability in Europe and the Balkans is of great importance for Turkiye.

"There were very difficult and very painful times in this geography. As Turkiye, we stood by our brothers here within the means available to us at that time. We will continue to support our brothers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, both materially and morally, today and from now on. There are common ties, especially faith, that bind us together. When it comes to Bosnia in Turkiye, Turkiye's heart beats with you,'' he said.

Sentop in the capital Sarajevo met with members of the Collegium of the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He was then received by members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.