World Bulletin / News Desk

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the UN to "take the leading part" in the fight against terrorism in a message to congratulate the organization on its 71st anniversary.

In a statement released by the presidential office on Monday, Erdogan said: "As a country that has been fighting against different terrorist organizations for a long time, we hope that the UN takes a leading role in the fight against terrorism."

Erdogan said as a founding member, Turkey is "one of the fiercest supporters of the UN and the values the body represents".

"Our country -- who has been increasing the amount it gives to UN's annual budget -- has been putting on a strong effort to make Istanbul the center of the organization," Erdogan said. "We believe that Istanbul -- with its primeval history, rich cultural background, strategic location and natural beauties -- will make valuable contribution to the body's missions and vision as a headquarters."

"The World Humanitarian Summit, which took place in Istanbul in May 2016, was a sign of our sensibility on humanitarian tragedies," said Erdogan.

Erdogan added Turkey was the "voice of the global conscience" as it was host to more than 3 million refugees from Iraq and Syria.