Turkish, Pakistani presidents discuss Jerusalem

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, according to the presidency.

The sources said the leaders emphasized the decision would negatively affect peace and stability in the Middle East.

Erdogan pointed out that there would be no lasting peace in the Middle East unless an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with Eastern Jerusalem as capital under the borders of 1967, is formed.

He also discussed the issue with the leaders of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, Tunisia and Sudan earlier on the day.

On Wednesday, the U.S. president announced his decision -- despite widespread opposition across the Middle East -- to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The announcement sparked strong condemnation from around the world, including Turkey, the EU and the UN.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- now occupied by Israel -- might eventually serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

During his election campaign last year, Trump repeatedly promised to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.