On May 13, 2014, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoğlu met with former Chairman of the National Assembly of the Crimean Tatar People and Ukrainian Parliament Member, Mustafa Kırımoğlu and the delegation of the National Assembly of the Crimean Tatar People.

Speaking to the press before the meeting, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointed out that the future of the Crimean Tatars is Turkey’s main concern and emphasized that in this sense, Turkey will continue its diplomatic, humanitarian and political efforts.

Noting that Turkey has pursued a principled policy from the beginning of the crisis, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “What is important is to find a solution to the crisis in Ukraine within the territorial integrity of the country through peaceful and diplomatic ways”.

“Securing the existence of the Crimean Tatar people in Crimea and preserving their political, economic, cultural rights as the equal citizens of Ukraine are our main issue” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu underlining that Turkey has maintained its efforts concerning the situation in Crimea at the UN, the OSCE, the EU, the European Council and the OIC. Stressing that he always keeps in touch with Mustafa Kırımoğlu, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “In this process, Kırımoğlu has strived to explain the Crimean case to the world. Kırımoğlu, as the leader of Turks living in Crimea for centuries should enter Crimea at any time”.

“We have great expectations from Turkey. The steps taken until now have been welcomed by both Ukraine and the Crimean Tatar people” said Mustafa Kırımoğlu drawing attention to Turkey’s importance during in the last events.