Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte discussed regional and global developments as well as issues concerning the alliance, said Trkiye's Communications Directorate.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a phone call, President Erdogan expressed concern that events around Iran are heading toward a geostrategic deadlock and urged the international community to intensify efforts to end the war. This statement was made on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal.

Erdogan emphasized NATO's support for Trkiye's air defense, highlighting the recent show of solidarity that demonstrated the alliance's capacity for deterrence. NATO had recently intercepted and neutralized ballistic munitions that entered Turkish airspace.

The Turkish President also reiterated Trkiye's ongoing efforts to ensure the Russia-Ukraine war concludes with peace. Erdogan acknowledged NATO's 77th anniversary during the call and reiterated expectations for the summit in Ankara this July to focus on decisions that will enhance the alliance's resilience and effectiveness against future challenges.

Trkiye, one of the oldest members of NATO, joined the alliance in 1952 and maintains the second-largest army within it.