Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Vladimir Putin on Monday that Ankara is working to find a just and lasting solution to the war in Ukraine and that talks between the sides in Istanbul are contributing to peace efforts, according to the Turkish presidency.

During their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in China, the two leaders also discussed bilateral relations, peace initiatives between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Israel’s attacks on Gaza, as well as developments in Syria, the same statement said.

Vladimir Putin thanked Turkey for its efforts in mediating the war in Ukraine, expressing confidence that Ankara will continue to play a “special role” in the search for a solution.

During the discussion with his Turkish counterpart, Putin said that three rounds of direct Russia-Ukraine talks had been held in Istanbul since May, noting that these meetings had helped make progress on humanitarian issues. He stressed that Ankara’s contribution was crucial in creating space for dialogue, calling Turkish assistance “significant.”

The Russian president also stressed that cooperation with Turkey on regional issues in the Middle East, North Africa and the Caucasus is “well-established, useful and based on trust,” adding that regular exchanges at the presidential level maintain a “constructive dialogue” aligned with the principles of good neighborliness.