President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine spoke by phone with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, marking a moment that underscores the ongoing bilateral dialogue between Kyiv and Ankara. Zelensky publicly shared on his Telegram channel that he congratulated Erdogan on his successful re-election bid and reaffirmed the importance of close collaboration between the two nations. The exchange was portrayed as a reaffirmation of shared interests at a critical juncture for regional security and international stability, with both leaders signaling readiness to expand cooperation across diverse fields, including diplomacy, defense, economic ties, and humanitarian relief.
According to Zelenskiy, the two leaders had a substantive discussion that went beyond ceremonial congratulations. He noted that Erdogan congratulated him on the election and that the conversation encompassed practical steps to strengthen ties at every level. The Ukrainian president stressed that deepened cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey would yield tangible benefits for their populations and contribute positively to broader regional stability. This sentiment aligns with Turkey’s long-standing role as a strategic partner for Ukraine, a relationship that has evolved through joint efforts in diplomacy, regional security initiatives, and economic cooperation even amid ongoing tensions in the area.
The office of the Turkish president subsequently released a statement indicating that Erdogan and Zelensky used the call to address the situation in Ukraine and several surrounding regional issues. The update suggested that both sides affirmed their commitment to dialogue and to pursuing paths that reduce tensions while promoting constructive engagement. The report implied that Ankara values Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that Turkish diplomacy continues to consider ways to support peaceful resolution mechanisms and stability in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.
Separately, Salome Zurabishvili, the President of Georgia, extended congratulations to Erdogan on his presidential run-off victory. She conveyed renewed optimism about ongoing cooperation between Tbilisi and Ankara, emphasizing the longstanding friendship and strong bilateral ties that have continued to grow under Erdogan’s leadership. Zurabishvili highlighted that Georgia-Turkey collaboration has flourished in recent years, reflecting a shared regional outlook and mutual interests that cover trade, energy, transport, and security cooperation. The Georgian president’s remarks point to a broader regional narrative in which allied nations seek to align on strategic priorities while supporting one another’s sovereignty and development goals.
Earlier remarks from İbrahim Kalın, the Turkish presidential spokesman, indicated a plan to invite several foreign leaders to Erdogan’s inauguration. The spokesman also suggested that the swearing-in ceremony for the new government and the subsequent proclamation of a ministerial council could take place on June 2. This disclosure provides a glimpse into Turkey’s ceremonial calendar and the diplomatic signal that Ankara intends to send to its international partners as it marks a transition in leadership. The timing of the inauguration underscores Turkey’s ongoing engagement with regional allies and its interest in reinforcing alliances amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Europe and the surrounding area.