Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday held meetings with significant international figures, including the UN Alliance of Civilizations High Representative Miguel Angel Moratinos and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in Istanbul. These discussions took place following the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the Lutfi Kirdar International Convention and Exhibition Center.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan's diplomatic efforts are part of a broader strategy in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following Israel's attacks on Iran. During his meeting with Moratinos, Erdogan emphasized the necessity of preventing further conflicts in the region, highlighting the importance of keeping Syria and Iraq out of these tensions and advocating for diplomatic resolutions.
The meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Al-Thani, attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalin, and Presidential Advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, focused on regional developments and bilateral cooperation. Erdogan stressed the urgency of returning to negotiations to address the nuclear dispute, aiming to prevent Israel's actions from overshadowing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Erdogan also met with Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), accompanied by Kilic. Additionally, discussions with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir reflected the strong bilateral ties between Turkey and Pakistan. The Turkish leader expressed satisfaction with the progress made through the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two nations.
Erdogan reiterated the significant risks posed by Israel's attacks on Iran, which could impact both Turkey and Pakistan as neighboring countries. He conveyed that resuming diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran is seen as essential for resolving the nuclear dispute. Erdogan assured continued efforts by Turkey to restore calm and seek a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing tensions.