UPDATE - Türkiye, Greece 'can move forward with confident steps': President Erdogan

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By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met Tuesday to discuss relations as well as global issues, including the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

During the meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Erdogan told Mitsotakis: "Türkiye and Greece can move forward with confident steps towards the future on the basis of good neighborliness."

"President Erdogan pointed out that strengthening the dialogue between the two countries and acting in accordance with the wording and spirit of the Athens Declaration will benefit both countries," according to a statement by Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

Turning to the crisis in Gaza, Erdogan condemned Israel’s military actions in the region, stating: "Israel's attacks in various regions, particularly Gaza, target innocent civilians as well as the peace of the region."

He added: "There is a risk that the crisis will spread to the region and that it is important to put pressure on Israel in order to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to Gaza without impediments."

Erdogan and Mitsotakis agreed to hold a High-Level Cooperation Council meeting between the two countries in Türkiye in early 2025.