President Erdoğan addresses journalists’ questions on return flight from the US
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following his contacts in New York for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, spoke to journalists on his return flight and responded to their questions.
Noting that he participated in the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly and concluded his visit in Washington at the invitation of President Trump, President Erdoğan underlined that Türkiye had ensured strong representation at the General Assembly, which brought together numerous heads of state and government from UN member states.
Emphasising that this year’s General Assembly was marked in particular by the genocide in Gaza and, more broadly, by the Palestinian cause, President Erdoğan said, "Ten additional Western countries, including the United Kingdom and France, both members of the Security Council, announced their recognition of Palestine. The recognition decisions of these two Security Council members are of historic significance. The diplomatic efforts of Türkiye and other nations standing on the right side of history have undoubtedly made it possible to reach this point.
Recalling that the number of countries recognising Palestine has risen beyond 150, President Erdoğan continued:
“The increase in both the quality and quantity of support for the two-state solution is of paramount importance. However, the international community must act decisively and take necessary measures to translate this support into action. Israel, with its reckless steps and occupation policies, seeks to undermine these efforts. As you have followed, I drew particular attention to this issue in my address to the General Assembly, during my meeting on Gaza with President Trump, and at the conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. We will continue our efforts in this direction.
In my address to the General Assembly, I had the opportunity to elaborate on other international issues of priority for Türkiye. I touched on several topics, particularly the defence of the legitimate rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the war between Ukraine and Russia, and Türkiye’s efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. Prior to my contacts at the UN, I met with representatives of the Turkish-American community. Likewise, within the framework of our contacts in the field of economy, I exchanged views with the leading representatives of the Turkish and American business world."
President Erdoğan further stated that, during the visit, he had meetings with counterparts from many countries, including Syria, Libya, Kuwait, Indonesia, France, Canada and Vietnam, while the ministers and members of parliament in his delegation also participated in bilateral meetings and events organised on the margins of the General Assembly, as well as meetings with American institutions.
On the second leg of the visit, President Erdoğan said they had held a very comprehensive meeting with US President Trump and added, "We evaluated many issues on our agenda together. First and foremost, we discussed the steps to be taken to advance our trade and investment relations on the basis of mutual interests.”
Reporting that they had exchanged views on steps to facilitate trade, including the review of customs tariffs, to reach the target of 100 billion dollars in bilateral trade volume, President Erdoğan said, “We examined, with a constructive approach, steps that would pave the way for cooperation in the field of defence. A major focus of our meeting was identifying steps to bring an end to the atrocities in Gaza. We held an in-depth discussion on maintaining stability in Syria and fostering a peaceful environment across the Middle East. I hope that our engagements and efforts at the UN, along with the decisions reached during my meeting with my esteemed friend Mr Trump, will yield auspicious outcomes for our country, our nation, and our region."
"It was a visit too remarkable to be overshadowed by the stones cast"
In response to a reporter’s question about the anticipated outcome of his meeting with President Trump of the US regarding the future course of Turkish-American relations—who noted that the atmosphere appeared very warm, positive, and constructive at first glance, and asked about the general tone of discussions when detailed and technical issues were addressed in private meetings—President Erdoğan said:
"We received a very warm welcome from Mr Trump and his delegation at the White House. We are departing Washington feeling pleased. It was a visit too remarkable to be overshadowed by the stones cast. We held our discussions with the President in a sincere, constructive, and highly productive atmosphere. Our relationship with Mr Trump has long been very positive, as you know. The dialogue we had during his first term was unique and it still continues to this day. I believe it will have a positive impact on Turkish-American relations as well. Throughout, and continuing to this day, we have maintained a clear, straightforward, and principled tone in our discussions with our friends. Mr Trump is likewise a politician who likes to speak openly and expresses his views without reservation.
We are developing our relations with the United States based on mutual respect. It goes without saying that a single meeting cannot address every issue. However, this meeting has resulted in significant progress on many fronts. The trade volume and potential of both countries are evident, and we have established a bilateral trade target of $100 billion. As leaders, we have the political will to translate this into action. We addressed the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the issue of Syria, followed by issues of trade and investment. I also support President Trump’s vision for global peace. There is agreement on both sides to bring the bloodshed to an end. Allah willing, we will achieve a breakthrough in this matter shortly. The lunch provided us with the opportunity to discuss all these issues comprehensively. Both my ministers and I held thorough discussions on these issues."
"Mr Trump pointed out the need to end the conflict in Gaza and achieve lasting peace"
A journalist cited President Erdoğan’s notable speech on Gaza at the UN General Assembly, asking, "Earlier today, you met with President Trump. Before the meeting, Trump spoke only about the hostages, as he has in previous statements. During your one-on-one discussion, did you brief him on the bloodshed, the children who have died, and the hunger in Gaza? Did you emphasise that violence must be stopped? How did the discussion on Gaza unfold?" In response, President Erdoğan said:
"Our meetings with Mr Trump and with leaders of several countries in our region have consistently been productive. Our meeting with Trump today reflected this same constructive approach. The meeting was crucial for signalling our shared resolve to stop the massacres in Gaza. Mr Trump pointed out the need to end the conflict in Gaza and achieve lasting peace. We explained how, first, a ceasefire and then a lasting peace could be achieved in Gaza and throughout all of Palestine. A consensus was formed there.
Our meeting at the White House was a continuation of our meeting in New York. We stated that the two-state solution is the formula that will bring lasting peace to the region and that the current situation cannot be sustained. President Trump is also aware that the current situation cannot continue. As Türkiye, our main goal is for the massacres in Gaza to come to an end as soon as possible. It is impossible to explain the killing of children, women and innocent civilians under the pretext of security. Let there be no doubt, until a lasting and just peace comes to Gaza, we will continue to keep this issue on the agenda. We are doing whatever we can for this, and we will continue to do so.
President Erdoğan was asked, “At the United Nations, we observed that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated. The photographs you presented during your speech at the General Assembly laid bare the reality of the situation. I will ask two questions. First, how did you feel when you saw those photos? Second, do you agree with the view that this persecution might stop as Israel becomes further isolated and as America realises that it is being harmed by this situation?” He replied:
“At the General Assembly, we saw once again that Israel, with its persecution and crimes against humanity, has now begun to become isolated. The photographs give voice to our feelings where words fall short. The feet of an emaciated child told the whole story. That child’s pitiful state pointed at the oppressors on the one hand, while delivering a stark slap of truth to those who remain silent in the face of such cruelty. The desperate eyes of people among the ruins, holding buckets and pots to receive a single meal, told us the story of Gaza. Those images said to us: ‘You cannot stop, you cannot rest, you cannot grow weary.’ That is why we explain, we seek solutions, and we strive to help them. Thankfully, as defenders of justice and conscience, we are stronger today than yesterday. The Palestinian cause is more widely known today than it was before. The cries of all conscientious people are disturbing Israel more than ever."
Emphasising that, apart from a handful of countries, no one stands by Israel anymore, President Erdoğan said, "This is because the world now sees who is right and who is wrong, who is oppressed, and who is the oppressor. Those who once ignored us when we spoke of a 'two-state solution' are now standing beside us. We speak for the children of Gaza, for the honour of Al-Quds, and for the dignity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Those responsible for these massacres, genocides and human rights violations will be held accountable before law and history. When that day comes, Gaza will, as it is today, remain Palestinian land, and these wounds will be healed. I truly believe this."
"No matter what Netanyahu and the network of massacres may say, there is always hope"
In response to a journalist’s question, “The United Kingdom and France have taken the step of recognising Palestine, but from now on, will they pursue a political approach in line with this step? Or will they remain insistent on the goal of disarming and neutralising Hamas?”, President Erdoğan drew attention to the fact that the recognition decisions carried meaning.
President Erdoğan stated that remaining neutral in the face of oppression emboldened the oppressor, adding, "The only way to ensure that these decisions fully achieve their purpose is to increase international pressure on Israel. The formula that will bring Israel closer to a two-state solution is for the international community, legal institutions, civil society organisations and opinion leaders to adopt a united stance. No matter what Netanyahu and the network of massacres may say, there is always hope. In all countries that recognise Palestine, the muffled voices of oppressors fall short of silencing the cries of the oppressed."
Emphasising that the children dreaming of a “free Palestine” amid the rubble are not alone, President Erdoğan continued:
Countries, leaders, and most importantly, the people see them, hear them, and know them. Indeed, this year's meeting on Palestine in the main hall is significant. In the 13 years I have attended United Nations meetings, there has never been a summit like this one. That meeting, chaired by President Macron and attended by the representative of Saudi Arabia, marked an unprecedented level of participation and enthusiasm in that hall. The states that have demonstrated the will to recognise Palestine have powerfully conveyed a message that justice still exists, and conscience has not fallen silent. Now, the requirements for diplomatic recognition must also be met, and they must stand by the oppressed and victimised people of this state. Together, hopefully, we will rescue Palestine from the darkness of oppression and genocide. For Palestinian children, women, and men have the same right to live as people in any other part of the world."
“Our foreign policy is founded on peace.”
When asked about Türkiye's next steps in crisis regions such as Palestine, Syria and Ukraine, President Erdoğan responded as follows:
"First and foremost, our foreign policy is founded on peace. We are building peace-oriented roadmaps and taking steps accordingly. Because we believe that there would be no losers in a fair peace. Wars, conflicts and tensions cost the world human lives, time and resources. Let us consider the Ukraine-Russia war. Do you think only these two countries are losing out there? It is a process that brings loss to everyone. That is the nature of war. And because we recognise this truth, we seek peace in place of war and stability and calm in place of conflict. Of course, starting wars is easy; ending them is hard. For this reason, we are striving for peace in all regions, particularly in the conflict zones around us. The outcomes we have achieved show that our efforts have not been in vain. The Black Sea Grain Corridor, prisoner exchanges, and the İstanbul negotiations are among the outcomes that reflect these outcomes. We, as Türkiye, will continue our struggle until the bloodshed comes to an end."
President Erdoğan was asked, “Once again this year, the Turkevi Centre has virtually transformed into an alternative United Nations hub. Within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States, numerous heads of state and government have come to the Turkevi Centre for meetings, and you have hosted them there personally. How does the presence of the Turkevi Centre there strengthen Türkiye’s role in global mediation? And what are your thoughts on the impact of this diplomatic traffic on global issues such as the Palestinian issue?”
President Erdoğan stated that each visit to the Turkevi Centre becomes a source of pride for him, adding that by hosting their friends in the best possible manner in New York, they fulfil the requirements of being a major state.
President Erdoğan stated that by constructing the Türkevi Centre in this manner, they had made history, adding, "Now we can say we have a place in America to host all our friends."
President Erdoğan emphasised that the Türkevi Centre is a hub for diplomacy where they could address the most pressing global issues, stating, "Here we express how solutions, justice, and lasting peace can be achieved. This diplomatic activity reflects an image of Türkiye that delivers solutions not only through words but also in action and at the table. This diplomatic activity here demonstrates Türkiye’s steadily growing influence. As the strength of our word grows, so does our role in resolving issues. None of this happens by remaining idle. You must work, build contacts, and take steps to expand your influence. Of course, taking all these steps and making such moves makes you far stronger before your counterparts. Praise be to Allah, our meetings here with heads of state and government, along with our negotiations with businessmen, place Türkiye in a very different position and give us the chance to hear many things from them as well."
President Erdoğan said, "Our stance on the resources in the Mediterranean is clear. We take our share of these resources and cooperate with our neighbours based on the win-win principle."
President Erdoğan responded to a question recalling that besides its attacks in Gaza, Israel’s actions in Syria have threatened regional peace and emboldened terrorist groups, and noting that after 58 years, Syria was represented at the UN with President Ahmed al-Sharaa speaking at the session. President Erdoğan was asked, "You met with Mr al-Sharaa at the Turkevi Centre. What would you like to say about Syria's territorial integrity and its future?"
Noting that he had not had the chance to hear al-Sharaa's speech but was briefed on it, President Erdoğan said, "I had previously stated that Israeli aggression would not be confined to Palestine and would have repercussions across our region. We have witnessed Israel's reckless attacks in Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria."
President Erdoğan noted that they view Israel’s de facto attacks in Syria as attempts to undermine peace and stability and stated that they discussed the latest developments with al-Sharaa in New York at the Turkevi Centre.
"This year, their participation in the United Nations General Assembly was critical for the international legitimacy of the Syrian government," President Erdoğan remarked, emphasising that the revival of Syria's economy and infrastructure is equally crucial.
President Erdoğan emphasised the importance they place on lifting sanctions against Syria and continued:
"We are developing cooperation projects with Syria in all areas and consistently prioritising Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Arabs, Turkmens, Kurds, Sunnis, Alevis, Druze, Christians… We envision a Syria where people of all identities live together in peace. The Syrian administration shares the same sentiments. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine this. Terrorist organisations have no place in Syria’s future; nor can they. The international community must also take steps to ensure peace and stability in Syria. They should avoid actions that encourage terrorist organisations in the region. We place great importance on the lifting of sanctions, particularly those imposed on Syria."
"Türkiye now has a voice at the table, as a decision-making and leading force"
President Erdoğan was reminded of the good relationship built between Türkiye and Egypt and the joint naval exercise performed by the Naval Forces of both nations in the Mediterranean after a 13-year interval and responded to the questions, "Could this signal a maritime jurisdiction agreement with Egypt similar to the one between Türkiye and Libya?" and "In this context, how might Türkiye, Libya, and Egypt's rapprochement echo in Israel and Greece? In addition, is it clear when our second aircraft carrier —currently under construction and designed to allow the KIZILELMA unmanned fighter jet to take off and land—will join the Navy?"
President Erdoğan stated that the peace that Türkiye mediated between the two conflicting parties in Libya is a source of hope for the Libyan people as well as the entire region, saying, "The good relationship we have built with Egypt and the joint exercise performed by our Naval Forces in the Mediterranean after a 13-year interval stands as a concrete indicator of Türkiye's role in regional peace and security."
Underlining that Türkiye and Egypt are two significant nations in the region, President Erdoğan added:
"The progress in our relations in recent years has been unprecedented. We strive to expand these areas of cooperation. Türkiye has no interest in anyone else's rights or sovereignty, but it is committed to protecting its rights and interests. Our stance on the resources in the Mediterranean is clear. We take our share of these resources and cooperate with our neighbours based on the win-win principle. Türkiye's firm position is forcing a recalculation in the region; Türkiye now has a voice at the table, as a decision-making and leading force.
Regarding the construction of our aircraft carrier, the primary responsibility for this matter rests with the Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces, and our Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler, is closely monitoring the progress. While stating 'it will be finished at this time' may be somewhat overdone, we anticipate completing our ship within one to two years."
"Our stance and policy regarding Cyprus are crystal clear"
When asked if "Türkiye's policy on Cyprus might shift based on the election results on October 19"—referring to the vote to be held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus— President Erdoğan stated, "Our stance and policy on the Cyprus issue are crystal clear."
Emphasising that they will never leave the Turkish Cypriots alone, President Erdoğan noted:
"The federation chapter is now closed for us. No one can drag us back into federation debates through rhetorical games. Turkish Cypriots will never accept a minority status on the island. The only realistic solution is to acknowledge the existence of two separate states on the island. We clearly expressed this in our address to the United Nations General Assembly. We once again demonstrated our position and declared it to the entire globe. It would be a mistake to expect a shift in our stance. We hope the elections in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will yield auspicious outcomes. We believe that the Turkish Cypriot people will make the right and most appropriate electoral choice. As the motherland and guarantor, we will never leave our Turkish Cypriot brothers and sisters alone."
