ROME 

Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy's right-wing League party, met Turkiye's Ambassador to Rome Omer Gucuk at the Turkish Embassy in Rome on Thursday.

According to a statement from the League party, Salvini and Gucuk discussed bilateral relations as well as the Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February.

The two expressed their hopes for a cease-fire and peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Russia’s war on Ukraine has left thousands dead or wounded, and forced more than 5.6 million people to flee abroad.

Moscow calls its actions a “special military operation” to “demilitarize” and “denazify” Ukraine. For Western countries, however, it is a war of aggression and they have imposed severe sanctions in response.

Salvini also emphasized the importance of Italy-Turkiye relations during the meeting.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan​​​​​​​