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Ukraine's new Ambassador to Ankara Neriman Celal has called for peace in the Black Sea region and an end to the war, stating that Ukraine is ready for all forms of dialogue and negotiations.
In his first interview since taking up the post, Celal emphasized the strong potential for deepening Türkiye-Ukraine strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.
"I have full hope that we will achieve our goals in the future because our purpose is clear. We want peace in our Black Sea region and for the war to end," Celal told AA following his appointment to the Ankara post.
The ambassador stressed Ukraine's openness to negotiations: "As Ukraine, we are ready for all kinds of dialogue and negotiations."
Celal outlined his goals for deepening bilateral ties during his tenure.
"The infrastructure of relations between Türkiye and Ukraine is already quite solid and in good condition. From security to the defense industry, from culture to humanitarian initiatives, to trade, our relations are strong in many areas. We also have great potential to diversify and further strengthen these," he said.
The ambassador noted that dialogue and cooperation between the two countries have advanced significantly compared to previous periods.
"Ukraine and Türkiye have begun to know each other more deeply. Because we are not just two neighboring countries, we are really two strategic partners who need each other, and beyond this neighborly relationship, we are two countries that want stability and peace in our common Black Sea region," he explained.
Discussing potential peace talks, Celal referenced previous statements by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Ukraine's negotiation readiness.
"Zelenskyy has repeatedly said publicly that Ukraine is ready for negotiations and discussions at every level. However, he emphasized that the most productive discussion would be at the leaders' level, because decisions are made at the leaders' level," he said.
"According to our President's (Zelenskyy) view, the participation of Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. President Trump would add strength. Negotiations will be productive this way," Celal explained.
The ambassador criticized Russia's approach to negotiations, stating: "The issue here is not actually whether 'the Ukrainian side wants or doesn't want the third round or continuation of negotiations.' The issue is not about desire at all. As Ukraine, we are ready for all kinds of dialogue and negotiations. Here, it is actually Russia's unconstructive attitude that sabotages the process."
Celal outlined different approaches to cease-fire negotiations: "On the other hand, when we look at Russia, which we understand does not want to end this war, they say 'Let's solve all issues first, then a cease-fire will be provided' and by all these issues, they actually impose very large, unacceptable conditions on Ukraine."
"One of these is the recognition by Ukraine of Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia as if they were Russian territory, which is, of course not something that can be accepted," he added.
The ambassador emphasized the priority of achieving an immediate ceasefire. "We think that the main subject of negotiations should be reaching a ceasefire as soon as possible. Following this, if progress is made, the process will continue to achieve peace. However, unless we receive a signal from the Russian side that they are ready to discuss these at the negotiation table, it becomes meaningless for us to continue these," he said.
Celal, a Crimean Tatar, acknowledged the symbolic significance of his appointment beyond his personal story.
"When it was offered to me, I immediately accepted because I understood how important this mission is and how much responsibility it requires, and I thought about how much benefit I could provide," he said.
"The fact that I was brought to this position shows how much importance President Zelenskyy gives to Türkiye in terms of my background, religious affiliation, and being a person who knows the context in Türkiye. As you know, I am not a career diplomat, but I hope and will work to make important contributions to the development of relations between the two countries as much as possible in line with the qualities I mentioned earlier," Celal added.
Reflecting on his arrival in Ankara, Celal expressed personal affinity for the country. "I was very happy when I came to Ankara. I love this country very much. The Turkish nation is a very close nation for me because I am a Crimean Tatar. Türkiye's role is also important. I feel a great personal responsibility for the relations between Ukraine and Türkiye to become stronger as soon as possible," he said.
The ambassador noted his warm reception: "Ankara welcomed me with open doors." He also mentioned meeting with President Erdogan and visiting Anitkabir with his family as part of his diplomatic duties.
Celal lastly noted the importance of humanitarian outcomes from any negotiations, including prisoner exchanges and the return of remains. However, he stressed that the primary focus must remain on achieving an immediate ceasefire to stop the ongoing casualties.
"We see continuous attacks against our country, against our civilian infrastructure, against our civilians every day without interruption. Unfortunately, our civilian casualties, including children, are increasing every day," he concluded.
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