Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that a meeting on Gaza with US President Donald Trump and Muslim leaders was "very productive and positive," expressing hope the outcome would be beneficial.
"We have just concluded a very, very productive and positive meeting. I'm satisfied — may the outcome be beneficial," Erdogan told reporters in front of the Turkevi Center in New York City.
The two leaders took part in the regional meeting on Gaza held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters.
When asked if the summit with Trump could lead to tangible steps toward peace and safeguarding civilians, Erdogan said a joint declaration will be released soon.
"The final declaration will likely be announced shortly. With statements from Trump and Tamim [Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani], the outcome of tonight's meeting will be made clear," he said.
Mutual visions
Trump separately told reporters the gathering was "very successful," highlighting the participation of key Muslim-majority states.
"We had a very good meeting concerning Gaza," Trump said.
"It was a very successful meeting with all of the big players, except for Israel, but that's going to be next, and I think we can work something out on Gaza, but it was a very good meeting with great leaders."
No further information on the outcome of the closed-door meeting was provided by officials.
Erdogan said he hoped the talks would produce meaningful results for Palestinians, noting that the involvement of regional actors was important.
Trump, for his part, suggested further discussions could include Israel at a later stage.
