UPDATES WITH DETAILS ON MEETING BETWEEN TURKISH PRESIDENT ERDOGAN, HIS UAE COUNTERPART; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK; OTHER CHANGES THROUGHOUT
By Muhammed Enes Calli and Necva Tastan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf and several other world leaders on the sidelines of the COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai, the Turkish Presidency said.
The meeting between Erdogan and Meloni addressed Israel's attacks on Gaza, Türkiye's humanitarian aid efforts, and steps needed to establish lasting peace in the region, the Turkish Communications Directorate said in a statement regarding the topics discussed in the meeting.
"During the meeting, President Erdogan stated the humanitarian situation in the region is deteriorating by the day and that it is critical to take effective steps to stop Israel in order to put an end to deaths," it added.
"Stressing that the latest developments have once again revealed the importance of establishing an independent and sovereign State of Palestine within the 1967 borders in the region, President Erdogan pointed out the significance of close cooperation with Italy in this regard."
"Erdogan and Meloni also exchanged views on the defense industry, Turkey's EU accession, modernization of the Customs Union, and the fight against terrorism.”
- Italy's Meloni calls for a new humanitarian pause
During the meeting, Italy’s Meloni called for a new humanitarian pause and stressed Türkiye’s role in avoiding spreading the conflict to the rest of the region, according a statement from her office.
"Both leaders reaffirmed their willingness to contribute to security and stability in this difficult phase of the region and the importance of starting to work towards a political solution now," the statement said.
The Italian premier told Erdogan about Rome’s humanitarian aid sent to Gaza via Egypt, specifically the arrival of the Vulcano ship for the treatment of minor patients from Gaza and on the team of doctors supporting Emirati hospitals.
The two leaders underlined the importance of maintaining close coordination on the progress of the crisis, according to the statement.
- Erdogan meets Uzbek counterpart, Japanese premier
President Erdogan also held talks with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the summit, according to the directorate.
The leaders discussed Türkiye-Uzbekistan relations and regional development, it said.
"President Erdogan stated during the meeting that the two countries will continue to strengthen their cooperation in all areas in the coming days," it added.
The Turkish president also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the margins of the event, the Turkish presidency said.
- Meeting with UAE president
Erdogan also held talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The duo discussed the resumption of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Türkiye's humanitarian aid and peace initiatives, and Turkish-UAE relations, according to a statement by Türkiye's Communications Directorate.
Erdogan said Türkiye is doing its best to stop massacres in Gaza and stressed the need for the Islamic world to act in unity to stop Israel.
Erdogan, underlining the "extremely negative" impact of the resumption of the conflict, said Türkiye is making efforts for both a lasting cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He also touted the potential for further collaboration between Türkiye and the UAE in the defense industry, energy, and space technologies.
During the meeting, he congratulated Zayed Al Nahyan for hosting the climate summit.
The 2023 edition of the UN climate summit, also known as COP28, is bringing together over 180 heads of state and governments from across the globe.
The conference held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will continue through Dec. 12.
*Giada Zampano in Rome contributed to this story