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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will address a high-level conference on Palestinian statehood on Monday at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, as multiple nations prepare to announce their recognition of Palestine.
The conference, sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, aims to revive the long-stalled two-state solution for Israeli and Palestinian coexistence within secure and recognized borders.
Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal officially recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, with several other nations expected to announce similar moves during this week's high-level meeting.
Before departing for New York on Sunday, Erdogan highlighted the significance of this year's General Assembly, saying that many countries will announce their recognition of the state of Palestine.
"We hope these decisions to recognize Palestine will add momentum to the implementation of the two-state solution," Erdogan said.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce France's recognition of the state of Palestine during the conference.
The General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution enabling Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the summit by video link, despite the U.S. refusal to grant Abbas a visa to travel to New York in person.
Palestine was granted non-member observer state status at the U.N. in 2012. The members of the U.N. Security Council voted in favor of permitting the observer for Palestine to participate in the Council's discussion on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
However, regardless of how many nations recognize Palestinian statehood, full U.N. membership still hinges on approval from the Security Council—where the U.S. holds veto power.
Erdogan, who arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday, said he will address the assembly on Tuesday, the first day of the high-level talks.
"On the occasion of the General Assembly, I will once again emphasize our stance that reflects the conscience of humanity, solves problems, and contributes to the solution of problems... In my speech, I will bring up the humanitarian disaster and atrocities in Gaza," Erdogan told reporters.
The Turkish president was welcomed by Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the U.N., Ambassador Ahmet Yildiz; Türkiye's Ambassador to the U.S., Sedat Onal; and Türkiye's Consul General in New York, Muhittin Ahmet Yazal.
A crowd carrying Turkish flags greeted the president and first lady Emine Erdogan at the entrance of the Turkevi Center, also known as Turkish House.
President Erdogan will visit Washington, D.C., on Thursday to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, where regional issues will top the agenda.
"During our meeting, we will discuss issues aimed at strengthening our bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade, investment, and the defense industry. Regional issues will top our agenda," Erdogan said.
"For us, every step taken in the Middle East is vital, and of course, we need to discuss these with President Trump," he added, noting, "Every step taken in the Middle East is of vital importance to us. Of course, we need to address these matters with (Mr.) Trump. They are extremely important."
Erdogan also expressed satisfaction that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was granted a visa by Washington, will address the assembly for the first time since taking office last December.
"What is more, it is extremely pleasing for us that the new administration of our neighbor Syria, which won freedom with the Dec. 8 revolution after a 14-year-long bloody and dark period, will also be there," Erdogan said.
He confirmed he will hold talks with al-Sharaa and other counterparts from many countries on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly meeting, Erdogan will also meet with Turkish citizens living in the U.S. and separately hold discussions with representatives of think tanks and leading members of the U.S. business community.
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