The presidents of Turkey and Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, warned today that the additional use of force in the Middle East would lead to a new round of instability and would harm everyone's interests.
After a closed-door meeting in Istanbul, the two leaders expressed deep concern in a joint statement over the escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at bases in Iraq used by US forces overnight.
The attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani on Friday, on the orders of US President Donald Trump, which Erdogan and Putin called "an act of undermining security and stability in the region".
The leaders of Turkey and Russia stated that they "have always been against foreign interventions, unilateral military actions and sectarian conflicts" and advocated de-escalation and diplomacy.
At today's opening ceremony of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline in Istanbul, Erdogan said that Turkey will engage diplomatically in calming tensions between Washington and Tehran.
"No one has the right to throw the region, especially Iraq, into a new fire for their own personal gain. We will have constant dialogue and consultation with Russia and my dear friend Putin. God willing, I believe that with the help of our Russian friends we will overcome this phase of troubles." Erdogan stated.
Today, Erdogan and Putin called for a ceasefire in war-torn Libya, while EU officials intensified diplomatic activities to reduce tensions in that country, talking with the Libyan prime minister.
After a meeting in Istanbul, Erdogan and Putin pledged that a ceasefire in Libya would begin at midnight on January 12.
"A military solution to the conflict in Libya only causes additional suffering and deepens divisions among Libyans. Ensuring an immediate ceasefire is the top priority so that an inclusive intra-Libyan political process under UN supervision can begin," Putin and Erdogan said in a joint statement.
Turkey supports the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and has begun sending troops to train and train it, while Russia is with General Khalifa Hifter, who is waging war against the government in Tripoli and controls the east of the country.
EU leaders warned Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al-Seraj in Brussels today not to allow Turkish soldiers to arrive on Libyan soil and not to agree to an agreement with Turkey on natural gas, in order to avoid new turmoil in the country.
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