ANKARA, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye is engaged in "intense" diplomatic efforts to prevent a spillover in the war in the Middle East, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said here Thursday.

Following his meeting with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Erdogan said Guterres' calls for diplomacy and dialogue are highly valuable in these challenging times.

Türkiye will continue with "determination and patience" for a peaceful resolution of the current crisis, and will continue backing initiatives to make the UN more inclusive, Erdogan said in a speech at the presentation of the Ataturk International Peace Award to Guterres.

There can be no development, peace, or stability without justice, he added.

For his part, Guterres said "the massive military strikes launched by the United States and Israel, and the subsequent attacks by Iran on so many countries, constitute a grave threat to international peace."

"De-escalation and dialogue are the only way out," he said, calling on all parties to cease the hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians, and "return immediately to the negotiating table."

Guterres, who arrived in Türkiye on Wednesday, has also met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and civil society, and visited Turkish institutions supporting refugees in Ankara. ■