UN official praises Turkey’s “wisdom” in Russia-Ukraine talks

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths praised Turkey’s “wisdom” and its role in the talks and the attempt to reach a ceasefire between the Russian and Ukrainian parties.

He indicated that he will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this week.

This came in a press conference held by the UN official at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs said: “This week I will go to Turkey to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

I will also meet with Turkish officials involved in supporting peace negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian parties.”

“I am very impressed by the role Turkey is playing in this matter, and I am also impressed by the way Turkey has been able to present itself to the two sides as a true and reliable host,” he added.

And he continued, “With all the difficulties that were on the way, (Turkey) wisely hosted the Russian and Ukrainian parties and had weight in the talks between the two parties, and played a very important role.”

He continued, “I hope that Turkey will host the proposed meetings of what we call humanitarian contact groups, and we are waiting for the agreement of the Russian and Ukrainian parties in this regard.”