International law demands Crimea’s return to Ukraine - Erdoğan

In a video address to the Crimean Platform participants, Erdoğan declared, "Our commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains steadfast. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a matter of international law," as reported by Anadolu Agency.

Erdoğan also noted that Russia's annexation of Crimea, which Ankara has opposed from the beginning, has "deepened the suffering" of Crimean Tatars who endured deportation 80 years ago.

Erdoğan added that ensuring the security and well-being of Crimean Tatars is a top priority for Türkiye's foreign policy.

“I want to once again commend the Ukrainian government for implementing legal measures to protect the rights of Crimea and the Crimean Tatars,” Erdoğan said. He emphasized that they have the right to live safely and peacefully in their homeland.

“It is encouraging that in June, after nearly three years of captivity, Nariman Dzhelyal, the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly of Crimean Tatars, was released. We hope for the swift release of all Crimean Tatars, including brothers Asan and Aziz Akhtemov,” the president of Türkiye noted.

• Recently, Türkiye officially applied to join the BRICS group of emerging-market nations. Brazil, Russia, India, and China are the founding members of BRICS, with South Africa joining later.