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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged Sunday that Türkiye "will not abandon Syria" and will use all available means to help the country grow stronger every day, announcing plans to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
"We will not abandon Syria and will use all the means at our disposal to make Syria stronger every day," Erdogan told reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport before departing for the U.N. summit.
The Turkish president confirmed he will meet al-Sharaa at the Turkish House (Turkevi Center) during the General Assembly, continuing the diplomatic engagement following Syria's recent political transition.
"The fact that Syria, which gained its freedom with the Dec. 8 revolution, will be there with its new administration is a pleasing feature for us," Erdogan said.
He noted that Syria's newfound independence has brought peace to Türkiye as a neighbor and marked the beginning of a new process.
Erdogan mentioned previous meetings with al-Sharaa and his team in Qatar and revealed plans to host them in Ankara.
Erdogan also stressed the responsibility of regional leaders in maintaining peace and reducing tensions, stating his desire for bloodshed and tears to end entirely in the region.
"We leaders have a great responsibility in maintaining peace in our region and reducing conflict and tension. We desire the bloodshed and tears in our geography to end completely. Whatever we do, we do it only for this," he said.
Erdogan emphasized that what distinguishes this year's General Assembly is the expected recognition of Palestine by multiple countries, expressing hope this will accelerate implementation of a two-state solution.
"What makes the General Assembly different from others is especially that many countries will recognize Palestine," he stated, noting that approximately 140 U.N. member states currently recognize Palestine, which he called "pleasing."
The president confirmed he will address the General Assembly on Sept. 23, with Gaza as a primary focus, and will highlight Türkiye's contributions to international peace and foreign policy approach.
Following a recent visit from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas two days earlier, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's unwavering support for Palestine.
"Palestine has always experienced serious difficulties in the region and continues to experience them. We have always stood by Palestine and will continue to do so," Erdogan said, lamenting that "unfortunately, the world has not stood by Palestine."
The president outlined plans to meet numerous heads of state and government during his New York visit, including participation in a regional meeting on Gaza with allied nations to evaluate next steps.
Erdogan will also meet with Turkish-American business circles before traveling to Washington on Thursday, Sept. 25, for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, with regional issues topping the agenda.
"Regional matters will be at the top of our agenda," Erdogan said of the Trump meeting, emphasizing the importance of peace preservation in the region.
The Turkish president dismissed speculation about business dealings, stating that any agreements would be made directly with Trump rather than through intermediaries.
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