Turkish President Erdogan holds press conference before departing for New York

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a press statement before departing for New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking ahead of his departure to New York, Erdogan emphasized the need for international action to address what he described as genocide in Gaza and urged global leaders to take joint steps to curb Israel‘s actions.

UN address to highlight Gaza and global reform

Erdogan stated, “I will highlight the genocide in Gaza and discuss potential joint actions against Israel’s aggressive policies.” He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government, accusing them of pursuing a radical Zionist ideology through provocations and violence. Erdogan expressed concerns about Israel’s recent attacks on Lebanon, calling it evidence of a broader plan to expand the conflict across the region.

“Israel is once again acting not as a state, but like a terrorist organization,” he added, pointing to the recent drone strikes.

Additionally, Erdogan intends to draw attention to the broader need for reform in global governance, particularly the United Nations Security Council and international financial systems. “We will stress the necessity of a more inclusive, just, and effective structure in global governance,” he said.

International community must take action

Erdogan urged the international community, particularly Western nations, to stop turning a blind eye to Israel’s actions. “The international community must stop watching Israel’s barbaric actions and take decisive steps to prevent further escalation,” he said.

He reiterated Türkiye’s readiness to normalize relations with Syria and called for dialogue with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

“We have expressed our will to meet with Bashar al-Assad to normalize relations between Turkey and Syria. Now we are waiting for a response from the other side,” Erdogan said.

“We will discuss with all the leaders we will meet at the UN to stop the bloodshed in the Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza,” he added.

We, as Türkiye, will again endeavor what we can do against the storm of death that world Zionism is currently unleashing in the Middle East.

Not only Biden but many world leaders will be there (at U.N. General Assembly). As of now, it is not yet finalized whether there is a meeting with Biden or not.”

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Focus on global reform at UN General Assembly

In his upcoming address, Erdogan also plans to emphasize the need for reform in global governance structures, including the U.N. Security Council and the international financial system.

“I will stress the urgent need for a more inclusive, just, and effective global governance system,” Erdogan said, reiterating Türkiye’s commitment to these reforms.

Erdogan’s meetings with world leaders

While in New York, Erdogan plans to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders at the Turkish House (Turkevi).

Although a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden has not been confirmed, Erdogan stated that he is open to surprise meetings based on developments during the general assembly. “We will discuss the situation in Gaza and the bloodshed in Palestinian territories with all the leaders we meet,” he noted.

Recently there were media reports about Erdogan to meet with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in New York ahead of the U.N. General Assembly next week, in an effort to maintain the recent improvement in ties between Türkiye and the United States. Erdogan did not make a comment about it during the press conference.