Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to address bilateral relations and broader regional and global issues, as announced by Trkiye’s Communications Directorate.

According to Anadolu Agency, the two leaders evaluated their countries’ bilateral ties, with President Erdogan highlighting the potential benefits of enhancing cooperation, particularly in the defense sector. Erdogan also expressed concerns over the impact of recent attacks on Iran, noting how these incidents have adversely affected the global environment. He emphasized the crucial role that diplomatic efforts, supported by Trkiye and other nations, have played in establishing a ceasefire.

Erdogan stressed the importance of maintaining the truce and cautioned against any actions that might undermine the ceasefire process, especially in relation to attacks on Lebanon. He reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to contributing to efforts that aim to uphold regional stability.

Additionally, Erdogan underscored the significance of advancing to the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, emphasizing that the progress made so far should not be squandered. The discussion also touched upon ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, recent developments in Syria, promoting peace in the Caucasus, and initiatives to resume negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for a sustainable peace agreement.