ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would continue its efforts to ensure the continuation of negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to a statement carried by Türkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency on Saturday.

Erdogan made the remarks on Friday during his return flight from Albania, where he attended a European Political Community meeting.

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The president stated that Türkiye "will make every effort to keep channels of dialogue open between the parties" and to continue mediation efforts for peace between Russia and Ukraine.

"We look forward to the support from all relevant parties, including the European Union, for the sensitive process we are advancing to ensure the swift establishment of peace," Erdogan added.

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On Friday, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held their first direct talks in three years in Istanbul. After a two-hour discussion, the two sides agreed to hold further negotiations and to carry out a large-scale 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange.