UPDATE – Turkish, Chinese presidents discuss bilateral ties, Israel's attacks on Palestine

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By Zafer Fatih Beyaz and Gozde Bayar

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday discussed bilateral relations and Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestine.

During the meeting, Erdogan and Xi discussed bilateral relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel’s nearly-nine-month-old offensive on Gaza, and global and regional developments, the Turkish Communications Directorate said on X.

The duo met on the sidelines of a two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Erdogan said the international community should take measures to guard against the danger of hostilities of Israel's attacks on Palestine and the Russia-Ukraine war spreading.

Türkiye aims to continue to improve relations with China in every area, something which will benefit both countries, Erdogan added.

The closed-door meeting also included Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, and Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel in Istanbul