Cavusoglu and Lavrov discuss Ukraine

Baku/16.03.22/Turan: From the very beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Ankara has taken a clear, balanced and objective position, speaking in support of the rule of law, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday in Moscow during talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

According to him, despite all the challenges, Turkey maintains positive relations with both Ukraine and the Russian Federation, playing the role of an honest mediator.

Cavusoglu stressed that Turkey is committed to the Montreux Convention on the Status of the Straits and will comply with its provisions.

In turn, Lavrov noted that Russia and Turkey have disagreements over Ukraine. However, according to the Russian minister, Ankara's balanced position is of particular value to the Russian Federation.

Moscow highly appreciates Ankara's responsible approach to the requirements of the Montreux Convention, Lavrov stressed.

“The key topic for us is the situation in Ukraine and the need for its speedy settlement. It is no secret that our views on this issue do not coincide. We appreciate and have great respect for the position taken by Turkey, trying to objectively approach the tasks arising from the current crisis.

We see and appreciate the responsible approach of Ankara to comply with the obligations under the Montreux Convention,” Lavrov said. He added that he also intends to discuss with Cavusoglu questions on Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and Transcaucasia. -02D-