Amid the current conflicts in the Gulf region, Türkiye’s President Recep Erdoğan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke by phone on Friday to address bilateral ties and regional and global issues.

The Turkish Communications Directorate, in a statement, said Mr Erdogan told Ms Meloni that Ankara “closely follows” the developments in Iran and its effects on the region.

Mr Erdogan said they were advising the parties to refrain from steps that can increase instability.

Stressing Türkiye’s stance on diplomacy, Mr Erdogan also urged the international community to work together for this purpose, warning that conflicts could endanger global security.

The conflicts in the region and the world underline the importance of cooperation in the defence industry among allied countries, the Turkish leader said.

Mr Erdogan also underscored that Ankara was making efforts to advance cooperation with Rome in every field, particularly trade.

(NAN/AA)