Closer ties between Ankara and Moscow have led to progress in resolving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Turkey's President Abdullah Gul said.

“Along with Russia, Turkey is playing a leading role in trying to settle the Karabakh conflict,” he said.

Gul said he discussed the matter with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the summit in Astana.

"Even though there is no breakthrough point at the moment, there are some positive steps taking place," Gul said. "There is a silent, but very determined diplomacy."

"I sincerely believe that the de facto situation in the Caucasus is not in the interest of any one of us," Gul said in an interview with Reuters. "Everyone should have perspective, cover the big picture."