Tensions with Turkey have eased: Australia on Erdogan's WWI remark

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday informed that the diplomatic spat between Australia and Turkey, which had escalated over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks on New Zealand terror attack, has eased.

The development came after Turkish Presidential Office dubbed Erdogan's remark to be "out of context".

During a campaign for local elections, scheduled to be held on March 31, Erdogan on March 19, warned that anybody (apparently referring to Australians and New Zealanders), who visited Turkey with anti-muslim sentiments would be "sent back in coffins," like their grandfathers were, at Gallipoli, during World War 1, Al Jazeera reported.

The Turkish Presidential Office on Wednesday said that President's statements were in response to the "manifesto" posted online by the accused, who killed 50 attendees of the weekly Friday's prayers in two mosques in Christchurch on March 10.

"President Erdogan's words were unfortunately taken out of context. He was responding to the so-called 'manifesto' of the terrorist who killed 50 innocent Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand. Turks have always been the most welcoming & gracious hosts to their Anzac visitors," Turkish Presidential Communication Director, Fahrettin Altun tweeted.

"The terrorist's manifesto not only targeted Erdogan himself but also the Turkish people and the Turkish state. As he was giving the speech at the Canakkale (Gallipoli) commemoration, he framed his remarks in a historical context of attacks against Turkey, past and present," he added.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters is expected to visit Turkey to confront Erdogan and seek a clarification in the connection.