Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

During his meeting with visiting UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- Moon, Gul said the ongoing tragedy in Gaza damaged the credibility of the United Nations.

Ban arrived in Turkey for a brief visit as part of a regional tour to press for an end to Israel's deadly military campaign in Gaza.

Gul said that the tragedy in Gaza could lead to serious problems in the long-term.

Turkey has been Israel's main regional ally since the two countries signed a military accord in 1996, but the onslaught in Gaza has unleashed anger in Muslim predominant Turkey.

For his part, Ban said he was pleased with the active policy pursued by Turkey in the region.

He added that Turkey should maintain its efforts to prevent a likely separation in the Arab world.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted a banquet in honor of the UN Secretary-General.

Ban said during the banquet that he attached importance to Turkey's initiatives in search for a cease-fire in the region, adding that Turkey's initiatives also received the international community's appreciation.

Before the trip to Turkey, the UN chief had visited Egypt, Jordan and Israel. He is also scheduled to visit Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait and the Palestinian territories to strengthen diplomatic efforts to strive for an early end to the Gaza fighting.