Erdogan calls for global unity to resolve conflicts

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

Conflicts with civilian losses and mass migration incidents should be resolved immediately through unity, Turkish president has said.

In remarks made during the “Neutrality Conference” held in the Turkmenistan capital Ashgabat Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: "Conflicts threatening the peace and stability, and the uncertainties these conflicts break out are unexceptionally affecting all the countries.

"I desire these conflicts, which have a humanitarian dimension with civilian losses and mass migration incidents, be immediately resolved within international law and cooperation," the president said.

He called on the international community and institutes to take responsibility, adding that the world could overcome future conflicts through unity.

Erdogan also highlighted Turkey's "special importance" to its ties with Turkmenistan.

The “Day of Neutrality" recognizes and supports the declared status of permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event.

Turkey was the first country to recognize Turkmenistan when it declared its independence on Oct. 27, 1991, and appointed an ambassador first to Ashgabat.

"Rooted history and our joint values we have with Turkmenistan set a strong ground of our relations and I believe these relations will continue with reinforcing in the future period," Erdogan added.

Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow said that his country’s neutrality policy was based on "peace, noninterference in other states' affairs, and respect for their independence and territorial unity".

On Dec. 12, 1995, Turkmenistan gained the status of permanent neutrality with the support of Turkey and 185 other countries.

Berdimuhamedow said that Turkmenistan would do everything through the UN to reinforce peace, stability and security in the world. "Turkmenistan will continue to fight against international terrorism, separatism, international crime organizations and drug trade," he added.

Meanwhile, leaders of Belarus and Kyrgyzstan called on Russia and Turkey to de-escalate tensions in the wake of downing the Russian warplane over breaching Turkish airspace on Nov. 24.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called for dialogue between two countries. "It is essential to find a solution, to make a concession. At least, a way to take a half-step towards each other should be found to de-escalate the tension," Lukashenko said.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said: "Turkey and Russia should surpass the crisis. Reinstatement of relations between these two, which are brother countries for us, is essential."

Erdogan’s previous visit to Turkmenistan was on August 15, 2013, when he was the Turkish prime minister. The current visit is his first as the Turkish president.