UN chief confirmed on Friday a nuclear swap deal signed by Iran, Brazil and Turkey, saying " this and other initiatives may open the door to a negotiated settlement."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon made the remarks at a gathering in Bogazici University, Istanbul.

He said: "The International Atomic Energy Agency will provide its own professional assessment."

This week, he said, Turkey worked with Brazil to offer an important initiative in resolving international tensions over Iran 's nuclear program by peaceful means.

"Let us continue to work together in the name of dialogue and peace," he added.

He said "Ours is indeed a new world -- a world of dramatic change and immense uncertainty. We have seen enormous shifts of geopolitical and economic power."

"Let us work together for a just and comprehensive solution in the Middle East. Most immediately, let us do all we can to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza."

Ban Ki-Moon came to Turkey for the three-day United Nations' Somalia conference which aims to address issues of "security," " political cooperation" and "rebuilding and development" as part of the Djibouti Peace Process outlined in the 2008 Djibouti Peace Accord.