Erdoğan, Meloni discuss regional conflicts, urge diplomatic solutions

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone Friday with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to address bilateral relations and regional and global issues amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East, according to a statement from Türkiye's Communications Directorate. The conversation comes as US-Israeli operations against Iran enter their second week and hostilities expand to include Lebanon and Gulf states.

Warning against instability

Noting that Ankara "closely" follows developments in Iran and their regional effects, Erdoğan told Meloni that Türkiye is advising all parties to refrain from steps that could increase instability. The Turkish leader stressed Ankara's stance on strengthening diplomacy and urged the international community to work together toward this purpose, warning that conflicts could endanger global security as well.

Defense cooperation emphasized

Erdoğan highlighted that the conflicts in the region and the world underline once again the importance of cooperation in the defense industry among allied countries. His remarks to the Italian prime minister reflect Türkiye's ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue with NATO partners while advocating for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to the widening regional crisis.

Bilateral ties

The Turkish leader also underscored that Ankara is making efforts to advance cooperation with Rome in every field, particularly trade. The phone call continues Türkiye's intensive diplomatic engagement with European leaders following similar conversations with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte amid the regional escalation.