Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey paid a working visit to Ukraine on 28 February - 1 March 2014.

During his visit Foreign Minister Davutoğlu met with Mr. Andriy Deshchytsia, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and was also received by Mr. Oleksandr Turchynov, Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament and acting President of Ukraine, and Mr. Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu received Mr. Mustafa Abdülcemil Kırımoğlu, former Chairman of the National Majlis of the Crimean Tatar People and Ukrainian Parliament Member and came together with representatives of several political parties which are not represented in the government, as well.

Speaking at the joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said that Ukraine is a strategic partner and a friend of Turkey and emphasized that Ukraine’s territorial integrity and political unity are the most basic principle.

Touching on developments in Crimea Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said “We follow the recent developments, particularly in Crimea, with concern and utmost attention. We believe that all problems in Crimea should be solved through dialogue within the unity of Ukraine. Crimea should be a center of welfare, tourism and relations among cultures not of military tensions.”

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu noted that Crimea is a bridge of friendship between Turkey and Ukraine and added “Peaceful coexistence of all ethnic and religious groups in Crimea is essential to the welfare of both Crimea and Ukraine as well as to the peace of Black Sea region. Turkey is ready to contribute to decrease the tension and to settle the problems in Crimea.”

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu recalled that he also consulted the developments in Ukraine with numerous of his colleagues and pointed out that with a view to lessening the tension, all possible diplomatic efforts should be made at international levels such as UN, OSCE, European Council.

Calling out to all groups in Crimea, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu said;

“Let’s keep the Crimean Peninsula as a peninsula of peace and mutual welfare. All groups should coexist peacefully. It is of great importance for us that Crimean Tatars live in peace together with other groups in Crimea as equal citizens within the unity of Ukraine. These troublesome days will be behind us. We are all friends, neighbours in this region and we will build the future together. Turkey is ready to provide every support for the bright future of both Ukraine and Crimea.”