Turkey Friday expressed concerns over escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, calling on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to slim down threats that don't serve to mutual understanding, peace and security.

Turkish Foreign Ministry said in its statement that Ankara is concerned over the level of threat on the Korean Peninsula to international peace, stability and security as a result of DPRK's discourse and actions in defiance to UN Security Council resolutions.

It is unacceptable that DPRK asked foreigners in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to leave the country, according to the statement.

DPRK on Tuesday urged all foreign companies and tourists in ROK to evacuate, saying the two countries are on the verge of nuclear war. The new threat appeared to be an attempt to keep the region on tenterhooks over its intentions.

The statement added that Turkey is closely monitoring developments on the Korean Peninsula and that DPRK leader Kim Jong Un failed the world despite high expectations for transformation of the hermit kingdom in 2011.

Turkey noted that bellicose position of DPRK's leadership does not serve to much-needed mutual understanding, peace and security in the region.

It called on both sides to act in restraint and with commonsense to avoid "unwanted incidents" amid heightened tensions and urged to keep all dialogue channels open. Endi