INTERNATIONAL: Turkey is an enormous political and military importance to the NATO alliance. And of course this country is an important partner for the European Union.

The Turkish president on Tuesday has once again stressed on the necessity of continuing diplomatic efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war.

"We are aware of the difficulties of the conditions of Russia-Ukraine war, but we will continue our sincere efforts, acknowledging that diplomacy is the only way out," Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told a joint news conference with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Ankara.

Erdogan has said Turkey has taken a "clear stance" since the very beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, calling for common sense to prevail and holding dialogue on every occasion.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began February 24, has drawn international condemnation, has also led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 925 civilians have been killed in Ukraine, while nearly 1,500 others have been injured, according to UN estimates. Over 3.5 million people have also fled to neighboring countries.

President has announced that Turkey will host the 9th bilateral Wittenburg Conference this May, which is being organized since a 2008 agreement "aiming at ensuring the enhancement of bilateral relations and cooperation."

The last conference was held on January 27, 2021 via videoconference.

Commenting on relations with the European Union, the Turkish leader said: "We expect the EU to urgently open the membership negotiation chapters and initiate negotiations on the Customs Union, without capitulating its vicious interests."

He has later voiced hopes that the NATO military alliance will play a key role toward a world dominated by peace.

Ahead of the NATO's extraordinary leaders' summit later this week, Erdogan has called on members "to show solidarity, and be together when it comes to the defense industry."