Istanbul Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar discussed with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu the security situation in Ukraine and Syria, as well as bilateral and regional defense and security issues.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense said in a statement today that Akar stressed in a phone call the importance of “declaring an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine in order to prevent further loss of life and restore peace and stability in the region.”
According to the Turkish defense statement, it was noted during the phone call that there is a consensus between the two sides on a ceasefire, and the focus was on developments related to the successful ongoing grain shipment under the Istanbul Agreement.
Akar reiterated Turkey’s constant readiness to do what it is responsible for in order to ensure peace in the region, and that his country is keen to provide all kinds of support in the issue of humanitarian aid.
With regard to developments in northern Syria, the Turkish Minister stressed that his country’s most important priorities are to permanently prevent the threat of terrorism, neutralize armed organizations, and emphasize the importance of adhering to previously concluded agreements in this context.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency