The Turkish president and Kazakhstan’s visiting premier on Thursday discussed regional and global issues, Israel’s months-long attacks on Gaza, and developments in the region, Paralel.Az reports citing Anadolu Agency.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Olzhas Bektenov at the presidential complex in the Turkish capital Ankara.

“The meeting addressed bilateral relations between Türkiye and Kazakhstan, regional and global issues, Israel's attacks on Gaza, and the recent situation in the region,” says the Turkish Communications Directorate on X.

Underlining that the Israeli government is trying to escalate conflicts across the region, Erdogan stressed the urgent need for an immediate and lasting cease-fire and enhanced collaboration within the Organization of Turkic States to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“President Erdogan also stated that it is important to develop relations with Kazakhstan in counter-terrorism, the economy, and other areas, particularly the defense industry,” the directorate added.