Turkish president, German chancellor talk over phone

By Andac Hongur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Turkish authorities said on Monday.

Erdogan and Merkel discussed the opportunities for cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 and the steps to be taken in the post-pandemic period, as well as bilateral relations and regional issues, according to a statement by the presidential Directorate of Communications.

After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed over 283,000 worldwide, with total infections exceeding 4.12 million, while recoveries surpassed 1.42 million, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.