Turkish President Erdogan stresses that Ankara is pushing for a ceasefire amid what he calls a grave humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Share
Erdogan, Macron hold talks on Gaza and Russia-Ukraine peace efforts
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron about the Ukraine conflict and developments in Gaza. / Reuters
8 minutes ago
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the worsening situation in Gaza.
The call, made at Macron’s request, covered “Türkiye-France bilateral ties, the Russia-Ukraine peace process, Gaza, and a range of regional and international issues,” according to a statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate on the NSosyal platform.
Erdogan told Macron that Ankara is actively engaged in efforts to achieve a “fair peace” to end the Russia-Ukraine war, adding that Türkiye is closely monitoring diplomatic initiatives in Alaska and Washington, DC.
He reiterated that Türkiye is prepared to host any potential talks aimed at advancing peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev.
On Gaza, Erdogan underlined that Türkiye is pressing for a ceasefire in light of what he described as a “serious humanitarian tragedy,” warning that “Israel’s increasingly reckless push to advance its occupation plan must be contained.”
Both leaders agreed to continue their discussions in more depth on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York this September.
“President Erdogan also reaffirmed the value Türkiye places on strengthening cooperation with France, highlighting defence industry ties as an area of special importance,” the statement noted.
France responds
In remarks posted on X, Macron said both leaders share the objective of halting Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine, stressing the need for “a cessation of hostilities and strong security guarantees” for Kiev. He also thanked Türkiye for contributing to the Coalition of the Willing.
On the Middle East, Macron condemned the Israeli government’s decision to launch another Gaza offensive and expand settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, especially in the E1 zone.
He argued that such steps “undermine peace efforts” and risk perpetuating “a state of endless conflict.”
“The only viable path to peace and security across the region lies in a ceasefire, the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian aid, and progress toward a political resolution,” Macron said.
He added that France is closely coordinating with Türkiye ahead of a New York conference on the two-state solution, which Paris will co-chair with Saudi Arabia in September.
