Holding a press conference before departing for the U.S. to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Erdoğan said: “What distinguishes the 80th session of the General Assembly from others is that many countries will recognize the State of Palestine. We hope these decisions to recognize Palestine will add momentum to the implementation of the two-state solution.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a press conference at the State Guesthouse of Atatürk Airport in Istanbul before leaving for the U.S. to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“We have always supported efforts for reform at the United Nations”
Noting that the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly will convene under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” President Erdoğan said: “The United Nations’ current structure, which reflects the circumstances of 80 years ago, is incapable of fulfilling its main responsibilities. There is particularly no justification for leaving resolution of humanitarian crises to the mercy of countries holding veto power in the UN Security Council. We proclaimed this bitter truth 12 years ago from the United Nations rostrum by saying ‘the World is bigger than five.’ The time since has repeatedly reaffirmed the validity of our judgement.”
President Erdoğan stated: “Indeed, the need for reform at the United Nations has begun to be voiced even at the Secretary-General level. We have always supported efforts for reform at the United Nations, and we will continue to do so. At the General Assembly, I will once again highlight our stance, which reflects the conscience of humanity, seeks solutions to problems, and lends support to the efforts for the settlement of issues.”
“Many countries will recognize Palestine”
“What distinguishes the 80th session of the General Assembly from others is that many countries will recognize the State of Palestine. We hope these recognition decisions will add momentum to the implementation of the two-state solution. What is more, it is extremely pleasing for us that the new administration of our neighbor Syria, which won freedom with the December 8 revolution after a 14-year-long bloody and dark period, will also be there. I believe this General Assembly will contribute to the lasting peace of our Syrian brothers and sisters, who suffered immensely and paid high costs for liberation,” President Erdoğan said.
President Erdoğan added: “I am planning to hold talks with many heads of state and government as well as United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres. During the regional meeting on Gaza, which will be organized with the participation of U.S. President, Mr. Trump, we will review the joint steps that can be taken to end the bloodshed in Gaza. I will also get together with the Turkish-American community and Turkish and U.S. business circles during my stay in New York.”
“Regional issues will top our agenda”
“Proceeding to Washington D.C. on Thursday, September 25, I will have a meeting with my treasured friend, Mr. Trump. We will address topics that will strengthen our bilateral cooperation, particularly trade, investments and defense industry, during our meeting. Regional issues will of course top our agenda,” President Erdoğan said. “As two friends and allies, the importance of our close consultation and coordination becomes more visible by day. We have already expressed our support for Mr. Trump’s global peace vision and his efforts in this direction. We believe there is no loser in a just peace. We, the leaders, have important responsibilities to protect peace, consolidate stability, and end conflicts and tensions in our region. Since day one, we have worked in this spirit, engaging in shuttle diplomacy to find solutions to problems through dialogue. We still preserve this stance. We want bloodshed and suffering to end completely and tranquility to prevail in every inch of our geography. Whatever we do is for this and this is how we will continue our path.”
