Turkey’s Stance on Global Challenges: President Erdogan’s Address to the UN General Assembly

Turkey’s Stance on Global Challenges: President Erdogan’s Address to the UN General Assembly

Addressing the UN General Assembly

Recently, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations. He started by acknowledging the service of Csaba Körösi, the past president of the 77th General Assembly, and expressing his best wishes to the current president, Dennis Francis.

In his address, Erdoğan reflected on the intricate and perilous global challenges that the world is currently grappling with. These include conflicts, wars, humanitarian crises, and social tensions, which are particularly prevalent in his own country, Turkey. The increasing complexity of these issues, compounded with global economic challenges, has made them increasingly difficult to manage.

(Read Also: Azerbaijan’s Anti-Terrorist Operation in Nagorno-Karabakh: A Shift in the South Caucasus Power Balance)

Concerns about War and Xenophobia

Erdoğan expressed his concern about the war on the eastern borders of Europe, which is causing severe problems in various sectors, including the economy and security. He also voiced his alarm at the increasing levels of xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia that have been witnessed over the past year. Furthermore, he acknowledged the devastating natural disasters that have recently occurred and expressed his gratitude to those who offered support to Turkey during these trying times.

Aid to Libya and condolences to Morocco

Erdoğan communicated Turkey’s commitment to aid Libya, which has recently experienced severe destruction. Turkey promptly sent aid in the form of personnel, vehicles, and medical supplies. He also extended his condolences to their Moroccan counterparts, who were also affected by a significant earthquake.

(Read Also: Fostering Economic Growth: The 13th Turkey Investment Conference)

Call for Restructure of Global Organizations

Asserting that the theme of the General Assembly aligns with Turkey’s objectives, Erdoğan agreed with the Secretary-General’s recent statement that the institutions established after World War II no longer reflect the world today. He called for the restructure of organizations that contribute to global peace and prosperity, underlining that “the world is bigger than five.”

Issues in Syria and Hypocrisy Accusations

Erdoğan highlighted ongoing issues in Syria, the economic interests of forces in Syria and Iraq, and the use of terrorist organizations as proxies for these interests. He accused countries of hypocrisy, claiming that they have no right to complain about terrorism while supporting terrorist organizations.

(Read Also: Turkey’s War on Drugs: Unearthing the Hidden Aspects)

Israel-Palestine Conflict and Armenia-Azerbaijan Dispute

Erdoğan also touched on the Israel-Palestine conflict, asserting that permanent peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a final resolution of this issue. In addition, he addressed the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing disappointment that Armenia has not taken advantage of this historical opportunity for peace.

Final Remarks: A Call for Global Solidarity

Erdoğan concluded his address by calling for stronger willpower in the fight against global hunger and inviting all countries, international institutions, and civil society organizations to support the Zero Waste Movement. He warned of the dangers of rampant racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia in developed countries that has reached intolerable levels. He called for the international community to recognize the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and establish diplomatic, political, and economic ties with the country.