UPDATES WITH TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER'S MEETING WITH UKRAININAN, SLOVAKIAN COUNTERPARTS; REVISES DECK, LEDE
By Merve Aydogan
ANKARA (AA) – The Turkish foreign minister on Wednesday met with his European counterparts on the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers meeting in the Romanian capital Bucharest.
In a Twitter post, Mevlut Cavusoglu said that he discussed with Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra matters related to Ukraine and NATO enlargement.
Separately, Cavusoglu met with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and "discussed recent developments in Ukraine and our economic/defense cooperation," the top Turkish diplomat said.
He also met with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and reminded her that "fight against terrorism is the joint responsibility of all NATO allies," Cavusoglu said on Twitter.
The Turkish foreign minister later met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba, as he "reiterated support to Ukraine's territorial integrity." He added: "Our efforts for a lasting cease-fire will continue."
For his final bilateral meeting in Bucharest, Cavusoglu met with his Slovakian counterpart Rastislav Kacer.
"Discussed regional developments including Ukraine," Cavusoglu said on Twitter.
NATO foreign ministers are in Bucharest to attend a two-day meeting that started on Tuesday.
The ministers discussed the war in Ukraine, which is considered a threat to Euro-Atlantic peace and security.