UPDATE - Turkish, Belarusian foreign ministers meet in Ankara for talks

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday received his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Aleinik in Ankara, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Official details on the meeting were not immediately available, but according to Turkish diplomatic sources the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel has continued attacks for a month, was among the main topics of discussion.

Fidan stressed that the international community should not remain silent in the face of the oppression and brutality, adding that Türkiye is making intensive efforts to achieve an immediate cease-fire, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid in the besieged enclave, and take steps towards a lasting peace.

He emphasized that Israel cannot establish security through violence.

On the Ukraine war, Fidan said Türkiye desires it to come to a peaceful end based on international law, adding that the prolonged war has negative effects both regionally and globally.

The Turkish foreign minister also expressed Türkiye's commitment to continue doing its best to establish peace, and that it is ready to host negotiations if there is a willingness from both sides.

Ankara and Minsk enjoy favorable ties, characterized by constructive dialogue between the two sides. Türkiye was the first nation to recognize the independence of Belarus, and diplomatic relations were established in 1992.