Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing global crises, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, President Erdogan stressed the importance of constructive dialogue with France, underlining Ankara’s readiness to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, and defence.
He also reiterated Türkiye’s determination to revitalise ties with the European Union, calling for the swift activation of key mechanisms that would benefit both Ankara and Brussels.
Ukraine and Russia Peace Efforts
On the issue of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing role as a mediator. He reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to facilitating talks for a “just and lasting peace”, highlighting that negotiations held in Istanbul should continue in a results-oriented manner.
Türkiye has positioned itself as a key diplomatic actor in the conflict, balancing relations with both Kyiv and Moscow while pushing for dialogue to end hostilities.
Gaza and the Two-State Solution
Erdogan congratulated Macron on France’s recognition of the State of Palestine, describing it as a historic step toward justice. He urged Paris and the broader international community to apply stronger pressure on Israel to pave the way for a genuine two-state solution.
Both leaders agreed on the need for closer coordination on the Gaza conflict, with Erdogan stressing the urgency of international action to halt the humanitarian catastrophe and secure Palestinian rights.
Regional Issues and Shared Concerns
The two presidents also exchanged views on the conflict in Syria, where both countries have vested security interests. Erdogan further raised concerns about the rise of xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate crimes across Europe, urging stronger protections for minority communities.
High-Level Diplomacy at the UN
The meeting was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The closed-door talks reinforced the importance of Türkiye-France cooperation within the wider context of EU dialogue, NATO alliances, and international diplomacy.
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