Erdogan departs for New York to attend UN General Assembly

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan departed Istanbul for New York on Sunday to attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, according to Anadolu Agency.

Erdogan is scheduled to deliver his address on Sept. 22, the opening day of the high-level week, when world leaders present their speeches. It will be his 16th appearance before the General Assembly.

Gaza expected to dominate speech

The Turkish president is expected to focus on Israel’s actions in Gaza, the recognition of Palestine as a state and possible international measures against Israel.

He is also likely to highlight the humanitarian situation in Gaza and call on UN member states to take a position against Israel’s attacks.

Meetings with world leaders

During his visit, Erdogan is scheduled to meet heads of state and government. He will also deliver remarks at the UN secretary-general’s Climate Summit on Sept. 23.

Erdogan left Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport aboard the presidential aircraft. First lady Emine Erdogan accompanied him, along with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.