UPDATE - Erdogan says Türkiye strives to promote peace and dialogue

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT

By Zafer Fatih Beyaz and Seda Sevencan

ASHGABAT/ ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye is committed to promoting peace and dialogue, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday as he addressed an international forum in Turkmenistan.

“As Türkiye, we are working with all our strength—guided by the sense of responsibility instilled by our history, geography and civilization—to ensure that peace and dialogue prevail,” Erdogan said at the International Peace and Trust Forum in Ashgabat.

He added that Ankara is ready to provide concrete support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing a ceasefire and peace, including efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine war.

On the Middle East, he warned that the October ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, saying strong and continuous support from the international community is necessary to maintain it.

Erdogan also voiced hope that UN Security Council Resolution 2800 would serve as a step toward lasting peace and Gaza’s reconstruction.

The Turkish president said Palestinian involvement is essential in all peace efforts, and that the ultimate goal is a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine.

The forum, held to mark both the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, brought together regional leaders and international representatives.

Erdogan praised Turkmenistan’s development since independence and said Ankara remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties in energy, trade, investment and defense. He also highlighted Türkiye’s broader diplomatic outreach, citing its mediation role between Ethiopia and Somalia.

“Peace is only possible with justice, trust only with mutual respect, and stability only with dialogue and cooperation,” he said.

Earlier, the president attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Monument of Neutrality in the Turkmen capital.