Stubb, Erdogan discuss Middle East, bilateral issues in Ankara

President Alexander Stubb on Tuesday met with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara and discussed various bilateral and international issues including the situation in Middle East.

They underscored the urgent need for ceasefire in the region to prevent further escalation.

“Important discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Gaza and Lebanon, Ukraine and bilateral relations, among others. In Middle East, ceasefire is urgently needed to prevent further escalation,” Stubb wrote in a post in his social media platform X after the meeting.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between Finland and Türkiye.

“As NATO Allies, our relationship is better than ever,” said Stubb.

The Turkish President in a post his social media post wrote he shared his expectation that Finland would continue to increase its support for Turkish European Union membership process, in addition to the Middle East situation.

“During our meetings, in addition to our bilateral relations, we also discussed current issues, including the genocide in Gaza, the Middle East conflict that spread to Lebanon, and Türkiye-European Union relations,” Erdogan wrote in his X.

He also said it is the primary duty of all states and international organizations to oppose Israel's unjust and unlawful occupation and annexation operation.

The Turkish President also reiterated his call to those countries that did not recognize the Palestine as a state yet, to recognize the State of Palestine.

“We sincerely believe that our bilateral relations with Finland and our cooperation within NATO will continue to grow stronger on solid foundations,” the Turkish President added.

Earlier, Stubb arrived in Ankara on an official visit and spoke at the Martti Ahtisaari Legacy Seminar, marking the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between Finland and Türkiye.

The last working visit to Türkiye by former President Sauli Niinistö, was in March 2023.