Doha: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey H E Mevlut Cavusoglu stressed the necessity of helping the Russian and Ukrainian sides in finding a face-saving way out of the crisis while continuing to put pressure on the side initiating the aggression, noting that the infringement on Ukrainian sovereignty is unacceptable.
The Turkish Foreign Minister said, during a panel discussion on Saturday within the activities of the Doha Forum, that the Russian and Ukrainian presidents are negotiating important and major issues “under the table,” expressing his hope that they will agree and reach a ceasefire agreement with the need to pursue efforts to achieve this goal.
He added that his country is working as a facilitator to find a solution to this crisis by bringing the two sides together and trying to find a safe exit that saves face.
He pointed out that Ukraine understands that joining the NATO will not happen because many European allies reject its membership and Georgia. Ukraine does not have the luxury of choosing between Europe and Russia, he explained, adding that Ukraine must balance its policy with everyone and have a greater balance in foreign policy, especially with Europe and the West.
The Turkish Foreign Minister added that the Russian-Ukrainian war greatly affected all countries, so energy prices rose in the world; therefore, the fighting and bloodshed must stop and a strategy should be developed that facilitates reaching an understanding and paving the way for dialogue.
Regarding the S-400 missile system deal that Turkey purchased from Russia and its impact on its relationship with NATO, he explained it was under a deal because they need it, adding that their policy in the armament process is that they ask for what they need from their allies, and if they do not find it, they buy it from others because they cannot wait for years, especially as they have their own priorities.
Regarding the shocks that hit the Turkish economy, Mevlut Cavusoglu said that his country has achieved balance in the currency rate and stability.
Additionally, growth reached 11 percent last year and exports increased from the previous year, he said, adding that after reliance on Russia for gas was more than 50 percent, it is now less than 40 percent, which reflects the diversification of energy sources and increased investment in renewable energy.
He added that Turkey produces nearly 70 percent of its defense needs and is working on the production of air defense systems, such as locally produced drones and other alternatives. Over the past 20 years, Turkey has witnessed a significant increase in the level of income per capita, as it became $10,000 after it was $3000, HE said.
He also added that Turkey is among the G20, and despite the successive crises the world is witnessing, the growth rate during the first quarter reached 5 percent.
About Turkey’s hosting of Russian investors and traders, Cavusoglu explained that Turkey is not among the countries that impose sanctions on Russia, so the Russians are allowed to enter and work in Turkey, provided that the work is legitimate, pointing out that that Russia is facing financial crises like all countries of the world, but the Russian economy has been affected more due to the imposed sanctions, and its currency and general growth have declined.
