Erdoğan embarks on Kiev visit, expresses support for sovereignty of Ukraine

'We express on every platform our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, our strategic partner and neighbor. We, as a Black Sea country ourselves, call on all the parties to act with restraint and pursue dialogue in order for peace to prevail in the region, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said on Feb. 3. 

Speaking at the Ankara Esenboğa Airport, before his visit to Ukraine, Erdoğan said ll aspects of the bilateral relations between Turkey and Ukraine would be reviewed during the talks. 

"We express on every platform our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, our strategic partner and neighbor. We, as a Black Sea country ourselves, call on all the parties to act with restraint and pursue dialogue in order for peace to prevail in the region. It is clear that the conflict must be settled by peaceful means and in accordance with international law. Let me underscore once again that we stand ready to do our part for the establishment of peace and security in our region," he stated. 

"I attach special importance to the situation of our kinsmen, particularly the Crimean Tatars who are an essential part of our relations with Ukraine," President Erdoğan said: "This topic, as has always been the case, will be high on our agenda during our talks in Kyiv. I believe our talks in Kyiv will significantly contribute to further strengthening our relations with Ukraine. I hope the meetings will lead to auspicious results for our country and region," Erdoğan said. 

Russia,