ANKARA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine during a phone call on Tuesday, the Turkish presidency said.

In a statement, Erdogan's office said the two leaders covered bilateral relations between Türkiye and Russia, as well as pressing regional and global issues.

Erdogan told Putin that Ankara was continuing intensive efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave, referencing the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

On Ukraine, Erdogan stressed the need for diplomatic initiatives to achieve a "fair and lasting peace," reaffirming that Türkiye will continue to work toward that end, the statement said. The call coincided with Putin's birthday, with Erdogan extending his wishes.

A brief statement from the Kremlin confirmed the birthday greetings and said the leaders "exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East, as well as those pertaining to Ukraine."

Ankara has been an important mediator between Russia and Ukraine, hosting multiple rounds of negotiations. Enditem