Erdogan, Ban discuss Syria, refugee crisis over phone

The Turkish president and the UN chief have highlighted the need for closer cooperation among international community over the transitional process in Syria and the refugee issue.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the latest developments in Syria over the phone Thursday, unnamed sources at the Turkish Presidency told Anadolu Agency.

The talks between the two leaders came 10 days ahead of the World Humanitarian Summit, which will be held for the first time in Istanbul between May 23 and May 24.

Ban thanked Erdogan for hosting the summit, which he hoped would send out a bold message to the entire world, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the media, said.

Turkish president said he was honored to host world leaders at the upcoming summit, which would also give an opportunity to exchange views on global and regional developments.

The summit is spearheaded by Ban and organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The two leaders also discussed Cyprus issue. Ban said he was hopeful a solution to the dispute would be reached soon, while Erdogan said he was closely following developments in the island.