Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his country's willingness to host a summit between Russia and the United States as part of the search for a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters after his return from a tour of the Gulf states, Erdogan stressed that "the importance of Turkey and Istanbul in the vision of a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine has become clear once again."
"We are ready to organize negotiations on Ukraine at any time. It is a pity that the meeting in Budapest did not take place. We believe that any dialogue can contribute to ending this war. From the beginning, we have supported this perspective, worked in this direction and sought a just peace," the Turkish president said.
Erdogan added that Ankara "maintains good relations with both sides." "We are a country that has gained the trust of both Moscow and Washington. This gives us an advantage on the path to peace and we are determined to use this position for the good of humanity," the Turkish President underlined.
At the same time, Erdogan announced that Turkey will cooperate with Gulf countries in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which has suffered extensive destruction.
"Rebuilding Gaza is not an easy task. Together with other countries, mainly from the Persian Gulf, we hope to take this step," he told reporters.
"The Israeli attacks have unfortunately destroyed Gaza's infrastructure. Serious work is now needed. Construction machinery will be used first and then measures will be taken to restore basic infrastructure. Gaza has suffered atrocities that are a shame for all humanity for many years. We must work together to ensure a dignified and prosperous future for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. Turkey will make every effort to achieve this goal, utilizing all its capacities," he said, according to the NTV television network.