By Ilhan Toprak
HANGZHOU, China (AA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the humanitarian situation in civil war-torn Syria with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday ahead of a G20 summit in eastern China.
Presidential sources speaking anonymously due to restriction on speaking to the media said the humanitarian situation in the northwestern city of Aleppo, the securing of a cessation of hostilities and climate change were included on the agenda.
Speaking about regional developments, especially in Iraq and Syria, Erdogan informed Ban about Operation Euphrates Shield, which Turkey launched Aug. 24 to clear Daesh from the region.
Highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria, Erdogan expressed Turkey’s support for UN efforts to provide humanitarian aid to war-torn areas.
Meanwhile, the UN chief condemned once again a July 15 foiled coup in Turkey, which left more than 240 people martyred, and expressed gladness that democracy had been protected in the country.
Erdogan arrived in Hangzhou on Saturday for the 2016 G20 summit, set to be held Sunday through Monday.
On the sidelines of the gathering, he is expected to hold meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and United States President Barack Obama.
