Turkish President Erdogan and Russian President Putin held a phone conversation Friday, addressing the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Erdogan-Putin Talks Focus on Regional Conflicts
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East during a phone call on Friday, according to the Turkish presidential office.
The leaders also addressed bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia, as well as broader regional and global issues. Erdogan conveyed to Putin that Ankara opposes both potential attacks on Iran and any retaliatory strikes by Iran against countries in the region.
Concerns Over Israeli Policy and Jerusalem
Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s continued efforts to promote peace and stability with all parties involved, aiming to prevent the escalation of the conflicts. He also expressed concern over what he called the “aggressive policies” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Erdogan stressed the importance of not allowing Israel to take actions that could undermine the status of Jerusalem. This came after Israeli police prevented the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering the Temple Mount during Palm Sunday.
Regional Reactions to Jerusalem Tensions
Several countries in the region condemned Israel’s restrictions on religious practices in Jerusalem, warning that such actions further threaten regional stability. Foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on the matter.
Call for De-escalation in Ukraine
During his conversation with Putin, Erdogan also urged the prevention of any disruptions to Turkey’s efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. He reiterated calls for both sides to refrain from actions that could lead to escalation, including attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea.
