Zelensky to Visit Istanbul on October 31 for Erdogan Talks on Black Sea Security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will make a working visit to Istanbul on October 31 at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s invitation, Turkey’s communications chief Burhanettin Duran announced on October 30. The planned talks will address relations between the two countries alongside the war in Ukraine and Black Sea security. Duran said the Istanbul discussions would examine steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international developments. He identified the Russia-Ukraine war and “the security situation in the Black Sea” as particular subjects for the talks. The announcement set out the agenda for the working visit without announcing an agreement or the outcome of any negotiations. The leaders previously met at Turkevi in New York on September 23, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. According to the Turkish Presidency’s account of that meeting, they discussed bilateral ties, the course of the Russia-Ukraine war and regional issues. Erdogan said Turkey remained ready to contribute to a lasting peace and would continue efforts to revive direct negotiations. In that September meeting, Erdogan also called for measures to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea. He said attacks on merchant vessels could not be justified and urged the parties to act responsibly. The Turkish account also recorded his view that closer cooperation in energy, mining and the defense industry would benefit both countries. The next announced step is Zelensky’s October 31 working visit to Istanbul.