In a significant address at the United Nations General Assembly, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan brought to the forefront several global challenges, emphasizing Turkey’s proactive stance on both regional and international platforms.
Erdogan initiated his discourse by shedding light on the myriad humanitarian crises, political confrontations, and societal tensions that are presently impacting various global regions. He voiced profound concerns about the instrumental use of terrorism in proxy wars, particularly in regions such as Syria, North Africa, and the Sahel. Such maneuvers, he underscored, are jeopardizing international security. The President also delved into the escalating threats of xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia, accentuating the imperative of addressing these challenges to ensure societal harmony. This sentiment echoes his previous statements on the matter, as reported by NDTV.
On a poignant note, Erdogan conveyed his gratitude to the global community, including the UN, for their unwavering support after Turkey experienced a devastating earthquake earlier this year. This natural disaster, as covered by The Siasat Daily, resulted in the tragic loss of over 50,000 lives and caused significant destruction. The international solidarity shown during this challenging time was a source of solace for the nation.
In the spirit of international cooperation, Turkey also extended its support to Libya, which recently faced severe storms and floods, leading to the loss of 12,000 lives and leaving thousands unaccounted for. This initiative was in line with Erdogan’s emphasis on Turkey’s active role in international affairs, as highlighted by the Hindustan Times.
Addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Erdogan stated, “Since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, we have been endeavouring to keep both our Russian and Ukrainian friends around the table.” He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to ending the war through diplomacy and dialogue, respecting Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, a sentiment also shared in his address covered by the UN official portal.
Lastly, Erdogan spoke about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the need to eradicate hunger and poverty. He urged all nations to demonstrate a strong commitment to realizing these goals, stating, “We find it difficult to accept hunger as an issue, as an unsolved problem, here in the 21st century.”
