Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Istanbul, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

The meeting at the Dolmabahçe Presidential Office addressed bilateral relations between Türkiye and New Zealand, as well as regional and global issues, the directorate said on X.

Erdoğan said that there are “historical bonds of friendship” between Türkiye and New Zealand, adding that Türkiye regards New Zealand as an “essential partner” in the Pacific region.

He said that they are working to strengthen cooperation between the two countries through steps already taken and to be taken, particularly in trade, transportation, and the defense industry.

Erdoğan stressed that the “world is facing important challenges, that Türkiye is making efforts to stop Israel’s attacks in Gaza, and that lasting peace in the region is only possible through a two-state solution,” Erdoğan stressed.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, and Chief Foreign Policy and Security Adviser to the President Akif Çağatay Kılıç were also present in the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Luxon, who is visiting Türkiye on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Çanakkale Land Battles and Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremonies, was welcomed with an official ceremony at the Dolmabahçe Presidential Office.

Erdoğan also hosted a dinner in honor of Luxon.