Erdoğan’s New York agenda spans diplomacy, defense and trade

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in New York on Sept. 20 for the U.N. General Assembly, where he is expected to call for international action over Gaza and hold talks on regional conflicts, defense and trade.

Erdoğan will address the assembly on Sept. 22, the opening day of the general debate.

His 16th address is expected to focus on Israel’s attacks on Gaza, recognition of Palestinian statehood and measures the international community could take, according to the Communications Directorate.

He is also scheduled to meet U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, with Gaza, Iran, Syria and the Russia-Ukraine war expected to feature in their discussions.

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack has said Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet on the sidelines of the gathering.

The reported itinerary does not specify a time for bilateral talks but includes Erdoğan’s attendance at Trump’s reception for visiting leaders on Sept. 22.

Erdoğan’s bilateral meetings were due to begin on Sept. 21 with Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah.

Libya’s political unity and stability, along with its Eastern Mediterranean agreements with Türkiye, are expected to be discussed with al-Menfi.

Talks with the Kuwaiti crown prince are expected to cover defense cooperation, investment, energy, trade and Gulf security.

Erdoğan’s Sept. 22 schedule also includes meetings with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Defense, trade and investment are expected to feature in the British talks, following Erdoğan’s telephone conversation with Burnham on Aug. 17.

On Sept. 23, Erdoğan is due to meet Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss efforts to normalize relations.

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said in May that bureaucratic preparations for direct trade had been completed, while technical work toward opening the shared border continued.

A separate meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to focus on the Development Road project and cooperation against the PKK.

Erdoğan will also meet Turkish and American business representatives at Turkish House on Sept. 23 to discuss trade and investment.

His final day includes a speech at the U.N. secretary-general’s climate event, talks with U.S. think-tank representatives and a gathering with Turkish and related communities at Gotham Hall.