Türkİye

Turkish vice president warns prolonged war in Middle East risks ‘deepening hostilities’

Cevdet Yilmaz hosts Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Ankara

Berk Kutay Gokmen  | 17.03.2026 - Update : 17.03.2026
Turkish vice president warns prolonged war in Middle East risks ‘deepening hostilities’ Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz (L) receives Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand (R) at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkiye

ISTANBUL

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said on Tuesday that the prolongation of the war in the Middle East “risks deepening hostilities by increasing destruction, in addition to its economic and social impacts.”

Yilmaz made the remarks on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal following his meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.

“In our meeting, we focused on improving our bilateral relations, particularly in energy, trade, and defense. In addition, we discussed regional and global developments and exchanged views on the effects of the US/Israel-Iran conflict,” Yilmaz wrote on social media.

“As Türkiye, we are working with all our means to prevent the escalation of tensions in our region, to strengthen channels of diplomacy and dialogue, and to open paths to peace,” Yilmaz added.

He thanked Anita Anand “for her kind visit and constructive contributions.”

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