ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his US counterpart Donald Trump on Monday discussed regional and global issues, as well as bilateral ties, said the country's Communications Directorate.

In a phone call, Erdogan invited Trump to visit Türkiye.

The Turkish leader told Trump that Ankara will continue to take steps to advance cooperation with Washington, especially in the defense industry area.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a "grave level,” Erdogan told Trump, voicing Ankara's readiness to provide support for the delivery of aid and forging a lasting peace.

Expressing support for Trump's approach to ending wars, Erdogan said Türkiye appreciates efforts made in a negotiation process with Iran and towards resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Erdogan further said Ankara is working to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and ensure its stability, stressing the importance of US efforts to ease sanctions on Syria to contribute to this process.

He underlined that a stable Syria would support both regional and global peace.