Erdoğan, UN chief discuss UN Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul

Ban and Erdoğan discussed the latest developments in Syria over the phone on May 12, sources told Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity. 

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 on May 23 and May 24.    
   
Ban thanked Erdoğan 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.        

The 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 leaders also highlighted the need for closer cooperation among the international community over the transitional process in Syria and the refugee issue. 

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

The World Humanitarian Summit aims to provide a vital platform to address the challenges burdening the humanitarian system, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who said that pressing issues such as ensuring sustainable, reliable and predictable humanitarian financing would also be examined.

The summit will also address other questions, such as what innovative methods could be utilized, or how to promote localized humanitarian responses through more tailor-made and user-friendly approaches, as well as the question of dignity and safety in humanitarian action.