Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss bilateral relations and regional and global issues.

Axar.az reports, citing the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate, that Erdogan said Turkiye and Italy are working to strengthen cooperation in all fields, particularly in the defense industry.

“We are working to strengthen cooperation between Turkiye and Italy in every area, especially in the defense industry, and it is important to take new steps that will give momentum to our relations,” Erdogan said.

The Turkish leader also expressed hope that the upcoming NATO Leaders’ Summit in Turkiye would help further strengthen solidarity and cooperation among allies.