ANKARA, March 15 (KUNA) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have affirmed the importance of countering the terrorist organizations.
During a telephone conversation on Thursday, the two leaders discussed the bilateral relations and regional issues as well as ties between Turkey and the European Union, Turkey's Anadolu Agency quoted a presidential source as saying.
Erdogan congratulated Merkel on the formation of the federal government and her re-election for a fourth term, the source added, noting that the two leaders emphasized their resolve to continue intensifying bilateral dialogue and booting cooperation.
They also underlined the significance of the joint action regarding refugees' crisis and combating illegal migration.
Erdogan and Merkel reiterated the importance of the EU leaders' summit due in the Bulgarian city of Varna on March 26.
He briefed Merkel on the ongoing "Operation Olive Branch" launched by the Turkish troops against the "terrorist" organizations in Afrin, northwest of Syria. (end) rs.hm