Turkish, Uzbek presidents discuss steps to enhance cooperation

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Wednesday with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the Uzbek capital Tashkent, where he traveled for an Economic Cooperation Organization summit.

The two leaders discussed steps to enhance cooperation plus regional and global issues, recent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, as well as efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians.

Erdogan stressed the need for the world to raise its voice and take effective measures to stop Israel's occupation of Gaza.

He also expressed satisfaction with the growing trade between Türkiye and Uzbekistan, highlighting the importance of promoting new industrial cooperation projects, including energy, mining, food, textiles and other sectors.

On Thursday Erdogan will address the summit and is expected to hold meetings with participating leaders on its sidelines.

Later, Erdogan met Ersin Tatar, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, on the sidelines of the summit.

During the summit, discussions of various subjects are planned, such as boosting the effectiveness of the organization, of which Türkiye is a founding member, as well as improving trade, transportation networks and connectivity among member countries.