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, APA reports citing Türkiye Today.
"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 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.
"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."
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