Erdoğan, Putin discuss relations, regional issues

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Nov. 24 to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

During the call, Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Russia, particularly in increasing trade volume between the two countries, the Communications Directorate said in a statement.

The Turkish leader also reiterated Ankara's ongoing efforts to reduce tensions in the region and its dedication to contributing to peace processes.

In an address at a fair in Istanbul the day earlier, Erdoğan welcomed the recent International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister and former defense chief.

"We consider the implementation of this courageous decision by all parties to the [ICC] agreement important for restoring humanity's trust in the international system," Erdoğan told the event.

Hailing the arrest warrants issued Nov. 21 by the ICC for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over Israel's actions in Gaza, Erdogan asserted that countries supporting Tel Aviv were "fueling atrocities," despite often "lecturing" others on democracy and human rights.

In the landmark move, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

As for international organizations and media, Erdoğan said they were turning "a blind eye to crimes against humanity" in Palestine, Lebanon and elsewhere.

"The blood of those martyred and injured in Palestine stains not only their killers but also those who fail to stop them," he added.

Voicing hope to see the establishment of an independent, and sovereign Palestinian state with East...