The Turkish president on Wednesday continued diplomatic efforts for a cease-fire in the Russia-Ukraine war, hosting his Polish counterpart and addressing the Russia-Ukraine war.
In a joint news conference in the capital Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Andrzej Duda hailed bilateral ties between Turkiye and Poland as the visiting president conveyed his gratitude to Erdogan for "sharing all the knowledge" on hosting migrants.
"Turkiye is a very important state in the region. It has been making a lot of contributions and it plays a great role for peace," the Polish president said after the two leaders' meeting.
The most "important topic" in their discussions was the Russia-Ukraine war, said Duda.
"I know how hard he (Erdogan) tries to ensure that peace prevails."
Turkiye "contributes and plays a great role for peacebuilding," the Polish president said.
He also called on international organizations to join efforts to restore peace in Ukraine.
There are many opportunities and a great capacity to advance bilateral relations between the two countries, Duda said. "We have reiterated that we hope our trade volume will exceed the figure of $10 billion."
On defense cooperation, Duda said, "I firmly believe that we will further strengthen our cooperation (in this field)."
For his part, Erdogan said: "As two NATO allies, we have exchanged views (on the Ukraine issue)."
"We continue to engage in intense shuttle diplomacy. We will maintain our consultations and cooperation with Poland in this process," the Turkish president stated.
Erdogan said he would continue his contacts about the ongoing war at the upcoming NATO leaders summit in Brussels on March 24.
"As Turkiye, we continue our efforts to achieve a cease-fire," he said, adding that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is holding talks in Moscow today, and he will go to Ukraine tomorrow.
Turkiye and Poland aim to establish a high-level strategic partnership council to further strengthen bilateral ties, he also said.
"We are also pleased with the improving bilateral relations in the defense industry."
Turkiye has "a close cooperation with Poland on regional issues and multilateral platforms," Erdogan expressed belief that "the positive attitude and support of our Polish friends will continue for the development of Turkiye-EU relations."
At least 726 civilians have been killed so far in Ukraine and 1,174 have been injured, according to UN estimates, with the true casualty toll is believed to be higher, particularly in territories that remain under the Ukrainian government control.
More than 3 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, according to the global body.
