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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Türkiye would continue supporting Palestinians and Lebanese affected by regional conflicts, reaffirming Ankara’s opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the wider Middle East.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan said he had used his 16th address to the UN General Assembly to call for a fairer global order and outline Türkiye’s position on regional conflicts, according to Anadolu Agency.
“We will continue to courageously speak out for what is right and tell the truth,” Erdogan said.
Türkiye reaffirms support for Palestinians
Erdogan said Israel’s “state terrorism” in Gaza and the West Bank remained at the top of Türkiye’s international agenda. He criticised the fact that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was unable to address the General Assembly in person because of visa restrictions.
“While war criminals whose words reek of blood found a place at the UN podium to spread their lies, the fact that President Abbas could not be there is a shameful situation for humanity,” he said.
“We will not back down from this,” Erdogan added, saying Türkiye had spoken not only on behalf of its own people but also for Palestinians and Lebanese affected by the conflicts.
The Turkish president said Ankara would maintain its position until those responsible for crimes against humanity were held accountable.
“We will never abandon our stance until those who commit crimes against humanity, those who have shed the blood of 74,000 of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, and those who have spread terror across our region from Lebanon to Syria are held accountable before the law,” he said.
Erdogan outlines regional and global priorities
During his speech at the 81st UN General Assembly, held under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” Erdogan said he had presented a five-point framework for a new global order based on greater fairness, stronger representation, trust and prosperity.
He also outlined Türkiye’s views on resolving conflicts in the region, including the war in Gaza, the situation in the West Bank, the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran.
Erdogan said Türkiye was stronger and more confident than in the past, both domestically and internationally.
“Most importantly, today there is a Republic of Türkiye that is restoring a thousand-year-old bond of brotherhood at home and embracing its neighbors again abroad,” he said.
Meetings in New York focused on diplomacy and investment
Erdogan highlighted the role of the Turkevi Center, which opened five years ago across from the UN headquarters in New York and has since become a major diplomatic hub. He said the center had hosted numerous heads of state and government.
During his visit to New York, Erdogan said he held bilateral meetings with 17 heads of state and government. He also attended, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, a meeting bringing together the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where he discussed restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Turkish president said he met American business representatives to discuss investment opportunities in Türkiye and attended a programme involving Turkish, American and Muslim communities.
He said the contacts held during the UN General Assembly would benefit Türkiye, its citizens and communities affected by conflicts.
Erdogan also recalled attending the closing ceremony of the 21st MÜSIAD EXPO International Trade Fair and the 29th International Business Forum on Sept. 26, expressing hope that the events would lead to new partnerships.
