“We have voiced on every platform, including at the United Nations, that Crimea is a part of Ukraine.” – Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Republic of Türkiye.

“We have voiced on every platform, including at the United Nations, that Crimea is a part of Ukraine.” – Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Republic of Türkiye.

In his speech, President Erdoğan congratulated Ukraine on National Flag Day, which is celebrated in Ukraine on August 23. He reminded that the Republic of Türkiye does not recognize the occupation of Crimea and has been defending the principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty from the very beginning.

In particular, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recalled the continued support and protection of the rights of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people of Ukraine.

The President of the Republic of Türkiye  also emphasized his hope for the speedy release from illegal detention of the First Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Nariman Dzhelyal and other political prisoners illegally held by Russia.

The President emphasized the role of Türkiye as a country that is making great efforts to enter into diplomatic negotiations, in particular on the grain deal and the release of prisoners of war.