In relations with Ukraine and Russia, Turkey acts in line with national security interests - foreign ministry

This was stated by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu who spoke at the International Security Academy, Ukrinform reports citing Hürriyet.

"We will not ignore our principles and close relations with Ukraine just because we have extensive relations with Russia. In many difficult equations like this, we do whatever the spirit of the time and our national security require. It's a tough job, but that's what diplomacy is for," Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said.

The minister noted that the situation in relations between Russia and Ukraine and between Russia and NATO had escalated to a dangerous level.

“NATO must remain a key element of Euro-Atlantic security. There are efforts by some countries to present the European Union as an alternative to NATO. This is not a constructive or realistic approach. The indivisibility of transatlantic security is our fundamental principle," Çavuşoğlu said.

As reported earlier, Turkey has reiterated its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine as well as its non-recognition of the temporary occupation of Crimea by Russia, which sparked discontent in Moscow.

On November 29, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey was ready to take part in resolving the crisis in eastern Ukraine as a mediator and hoped for a peaceful settlement.

Later, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, said Ukraine would welcome any efforts of its partners that could help put the military conflict in the east of the country to an end and regain the temporarily uncontrolled territories.

In turn, Russia has rejected Turkey’s mediation offer.

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