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Istanbul, Dec. 29, 2017 (dpa/NAN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pope Francis discussed the issue of Jerusalem in a phone call on Friday, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency reported, following US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise the city as Israel’s capital.
On Dec. 21, the UN General Assembly voted 128 to nine in favour of a resolution demanding that the U.S. rescind its unilateral decision on Jerusalem.
Both Erdogan and the pope said they were happy with the UN vote result “against the wrong step taken by the U.S.,” Anadolu reported.
The two leaders also agreed to meet to discuss bilateral relations and international issues, Anadolu added, without giving a specific date.
Among the fiercest critics of the Jerusalem move, Erdogan has said the decision rewarded Israel for “terrorist actions.”
Having previously criticized the U.S.’ policy change on Jerusalem’s status, the pope called on Monday for a “negotiated solution.” (dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu