Poroshenko: Ukraine would welcome Turkish peacekeepers' deployment to Donbas
Ukraine counts on Turkey's help in the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission to Donbas, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.
"I offered Mr. President to intensify our dialogue on support to the decision on the deployment of peacekeepers in accordance with the UN's mandate among other things. We trust Turkey and would be glad if Turkey participates in restoring peace in Donbas and deploys its peacekeeping mission as part of the UN mission," Poroshenko said following the seventh meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Istanbul on Saturday.
Turkey is one of Ukraine's key partners on the international arena, he said.
In addition, Poroshenko said he is confident that Turkey would provide assistance in the issue of the Sea of Azov.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in turn, said that Ankara supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty and will defend the rights and interests of Crimean Tatars.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine should be resolved through diplomatic means, Erdogan said.