The presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke by telephone about the exchange of persons between Russia and the United States in Turkey. Putin thanked Erdogan for organizing the airport in Ankara, where under the control of Turkish services the sentences of US and Russian pilots Konstantin Yaroshenko and student Trevor Reed were exchanged, BGNES reported, citing the Anatolian Agency and AFP.
Turkey’s participation in the exchange process is another indicator of the importance that Ankara attaches to peace, dialogue and co-operation, as well as its readiness to mediate, the Anatolian Agency said, citing the presidential administration. The Turkish leader also stressed the need to maintain close contacts and coordinated actions between the two countries’ intelligence services, which “contributes to the prevention of humanitarian tragedies and to creating an atmosphere of stability in the region”.
Ankara is also ready to take the initiative on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine and to continue mediation in the name of peace in the Black Sea region. Erdogan expressed hope that the positive impetus from the Istanbul talks between Moscow and Kyiv would lead to long-term peace in the region. He assured that Ankara continues resolutely and sincerely the steps to overcome the crisis and restore peace between the two neighboring countries.
The AFP highlighted the Turkish leader’s words that Ankara wants to establish lasting peace in the region as soon as possible, using the momentum gained from the Istanbul talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials. It is noted that Turkey’s role in the exchange underscores the ability of a NATO member to maintain an open dialogue with Moscow.
Russia is paying attention to discussing humanitarian aspects of the situation in Ukraine and Donbass in view of the recent visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Moscow. The two presidents agreed to continue their contacts.
The United States also thanked Ankara for its role in the exchange.
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