French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said he spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the phone and discussed the Middle East situation and the Ukraine war with him.
"We initially discussed the situation in the Middle East, and called for all parties to respect the cease-fire and to make sure this applies to Lebanon, and for all parties to respect the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz, and we highlighted the importance of getting a strong and lasting diplomatic solution," wrote Macron on X.
Erdoğan and Macron discussed bilateral relations, as well, Türkiye's Communications Directorate confirmed the phone call in a statement.
The leaders reviewed bilateral ties, with Erdoğan stating that advancing cooperation "in all areas, especially in the defense industry," would be beneficial for both countries, the directorate said.
Erdoğan told Macron the process triggered by attacks on Iran has negatively affected the global environment, adding that diplomatic efforts supported by Türkiye and other countries have played "an important role" in achieving a ceasefire.
He stressed the need to protect the truce, warning that initiatives which could "sabotage the ceasefire process" must not be allowed, particularly in reference to attacks on Lebanon.
Erdoğan said Ankara will continue contributing to efforts aimed at maintaining stability.
He also emphasized the importance of launching the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, stating that the momentum achieved "should not be lost."
The leaders further discussed ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz "on the basis of international law," along with developments in Syria, support for peace in the Caucasus, and efforts to revive negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for lasting peace.
