September 19, 2023
Addressing the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Erdoğan said: “Faced with conflicts and disputes around us, our aim is to make the greatest possible contributions to world peace and prosperity.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Expressing his wish that the 78th General Assembly, which convenes with a focus on the themes of trust and solidarity, will be beneficial to all humanity, President Erdoğan said: “Unfortunately, it is not possible to draw a more optimistic picture of the future of our world, in comparison with the assessments we made here last year. The snapshot before us reveals that we are facing more and more complex and dangerous challenges on a global scale. There are many conflicts, wars, humanitarian crises, political strife and social tensions occurring to the south, north, east and west of my own country. It becomes more and more difficult to deal with these ever-growing challenges compounded with global economic problems.”
“The war on the eastern borders of Europe, in addition to the humanitarian tragedy which it triggered, has created serious problems in all areas, from economy to security, from energy to food security. Terrorism, which has been turned into a tool for proxy wars in Syria, North Africa and the Sahel region, is causing irreparable damage to the international security climate, whose fragility is increasing rapidly. The activity fields of terrorist organizations which grow by exploiting the ambitions of global powers, are spreading like an epidemic over wide geographies, taking also advantage of the deteriorating socio-economic conditions as well as technological developments. The signs of xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia turning into a new crisis have reached alarming proportions in the last year.”
“THE FRIENDSHIP EXTENDED TO OUR COUNTRY IS AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF CONSOLATION FOR US”
No matter in which corner of the world we live, climate change and related natural disasters have now become a reality in the daily lives of all of us,” President Erdoğan stated, and went on to say: “On the morning of February 6, 2023, Türkiye was struck, in the words of the Secretary General, with ‘one of the biggest natural disasters of the century’, both in terms of its magnitude and the area it affected. It is impossible for us to forget the sincerity of the prompt response given by the international community, including the United Nations, to our call for help, the devoted efforts which were displayed, and the generous support provided to our country. The friendship extended to our country on this dark day, when more than 50 thousand people lost their lives, 850 thousand buildings were destroyed, and cities with millions of people were almost levelled to the ground, is an important source of consolation for us.”
“WE WILL NOT LEAVE OUR LIBYAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALONE”
Drawing attention to the recent storm and flood disaster in Libya, President Erdoğan said: “Following the disaster, we as Türkiye have immediately taken action to help Libya, where over 10 thousand people lost their lives and thousands of people are missing. As a first step, with three ships and three planes, we provided aid to Libya consisting of hundreds of vehicles, thousands of tons of food, shelter and sanitary supplies, alongside 567 personnel. Our non-governmental organizations are also participating in the activities in the region with their own means. As a country which stands by the victims and the oppressed anywhere in the world, we have not left, and will not leave our Libyan brothers and sisters alone. I believe that other friendly and brotherly countries will join hands to help Libyan people as well. I hereby extend my get well soon wishes to our Moroccan brothers and sisters, who were shaken with a massive earthquake like our country.”
“THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS BECOME A BATTLEGROUND WHERE THE POLITICAL STRATEGIES OF FIVE COUNTRIES CLASH”
Voicing his pleasure over seeing that this year’s theme for the General Assembly fully coincides with Türkiye’s goals, President Erdoğan noted: “Our vision of the ‘Century of Türkiye’, which we have started to bring to life on the 100th anniversary of our Republic, is the most concrete example of these coinciding goals. Our call for the establishment of an international system, which eliminates global injustices, which addresses economic inequalities, which generates peace, security, stability and prosperity, which is efficient, inclusive and which embraces humanity, which is, in sum, for the benefit of all humanity, reverberates more and more. We agree with Secretary General Guterres’ recent assessment that ‘the institutions established after the Second World War do not reflect today’s world’. This assessment echoes our motto, ‘The world is bigger than five’. The Security Council is no longer the guarantor of international security and has become a battleground where the political strategies of five countries clash. We consider the recent events in Cyprus as another example of this broken institutional structure which does not inspire justice and confidence. As a country which has pioneered numerous initiatives to strengthen peace and stability we attach importance to Secretary General Guterres’ call for the establishment of a ‘New Agenda for Peace’. With this understanding, we have been striving to keep both our Russian and Ukrainian friends at the table since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, with the motto ‘there are no winners in war and no losers in peace’. We will continue to increase our efforts to end the war through diplomacy and dialogue on the basis of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.”
“WE PREVENTED THE THREAT OF A GLOBAL HUNGER CRISIS”
“Through the Black Sea Initiative, which we launched together with the United Nations, we prevented the threat of a global hunger crisis by ensuring the shipment of 33 million tons of grain products to world markets,” President Erdoğan underscored, and added: “As a result of our personal efforts, the initiative has been extended three times. However, since having come to a deadlock as of July 17, it has left the world with a new crisis. Noting that they pursue their contacts to maintain this humanitarian bridge which reaches out to areas where the threat of global hunger persists. In this regard, we attach importance to the plan aimed at immediate shipping of 1 million tons of grain to African countries. Faced with conflicts and disputes around us, our aim is to make the greatest possible contributions to world peace and prosperity.”
“INTERRUPTION OF UN’S CROSS-BORDER HUMANITARIAN AID OPERATION IN THE REGION IS AN UNFORTUNATE DEVELOPMENT”
“The humanitarian tragedy in Syria, now in its 13th year, is making living conditions more and more difficult for everyone in the region, regardless of origin and faith,” President Erdoğan stated, and went on to say: “We are the only country to have displayed a principled, constructive and fair attitude vis-à-vis the developments which are threatening Syria’s political unity, as well as its social integrity and economic structure. It is becoming increasingly important to end the crisis to the south of our country through a comprehensive, permanent and sustainable solution, which will meet the legitimate expectations of the people. The devastating impact of the earthquakes, whose epicenter was Kahramanmaraş, also took its toll on Syria. The already dire humanitarian situation, particularly in the northwest of Syria, has worsened. It is an unfortunate development that the United Nations’ cross-border humanitarian aid operation in the region has been interrupted at such a time.”
Underscoring that Türkiye will definitely not abandon to their fate the more than 4 million people in northern Syria, who are struggling to survive in difficult conditions, President Erdoğan continued as follows: “As the construction of the houses beyond our borders, which we are pioneering, are completed, the return of refugees to these places will accelerate. However, the biggest threat to Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity is the overt support given to terrorist organizations under the direction of the powers which harbor designs on this country. The Syrian people, overwhelmed by the PKK-PYD terrorist organization on one hand, and the radical groups organized on the basis of sectarian divisions on the other, have reached the point of revolt. Indeed, as a result, various consequences began to emerge recently”
“A FAIRER WORLD IS POSSIBLE”
“Iraq, our other neighbor, is also displaying genuine efforts to overcome the internal and external challenges it faces,” President Erdoğan further noted, and said: “We act with an understanding geared at strengthening Iraq’s political unity, territorial integrity and reconstruction efforts, and which does not discriminate between the constituent elements of that country. With the Development Road project we as the regional countries will launch, we will inshallah further strengthen the regional integration.
“The tricks of those who refer to DAESH as a pretext every time they are in trouble in the region, have now been exposed. As the leader of the country who has carried out the biggest struggle against DAESH in deed, inflicted the greatest losses on this organization, and who knows very well the overt and background facts of the problem, I would like to speak openly: We are fed up with the hypocrisy of those who use DAESH and similar organizations as a cover for their own political and economic interests, first and foremost in Syria and Iraq, but also in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel. DAESH is not the only threat in these regions. The real threat consists of the terrorist organizations, paramilitary groups, mercenaries and some local elements working for the highest bidder which are nurtured and strengthened to be used as tools of proxy wars. The countries which continue to work with terrorist organizations despite this reality, purely for their own political and economic interests, have no right to complain about terrorism and related issues. In such a world, no one is safe, whether they live right next to a conflict zone or far away on a land surrounded by oceans. That is why we argue that we must rapidly restructure the institutions responsible for ensuring security, peace and prosperity in the world, under the leadership of the United Nations. We must build a global governance architecture which has the capacity to represent people of all origins, faiths and cultures in the world, from every geography and demographics. In conclusion, we wholeheartedly say once again that ‘The world is bigger than five’, and that ‘A fairer world is possible’.”
“WE INVITE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO RECOGNIZE TRNC’S INDEPENDENCE”
Sharing Türkiye’s approach with regard to various hotspots, starting with its own region, President Erdoğan continued as follows: “The transformation of the Eastern Mediterranean into a region where peace, prosperity and stability reign will only be possible if the rights of all the parties are respected. We do not infringe upon anyone’s rights; nor do we allow, or will allow anyone to ignore our rights. It is now the 60th anniversary of the emergence of the Cyprus issue. The Turkish Cypriot side has always made sincere efforts to find a just, lasting and sustainable settlement to the Cyprus issue. It is a fact acknowledged by everyone that such a settlement can no longer be reached on the basis of the federation model. We invite the international community to accept this fact, to recognize the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and to establish diplomatic, political and economic ties with this country. We also expect the United Nations Peacekeeping Force on the Island to scrupulously observe the impartiality it is obliged to exhibit. We do not want this Force, whose reputation has already been damaged, to experience yet another loss of credibility in Cyprus.”
“WE HAVE STARTED TO DEVELOP OUR RELATIONS WITH EGYPT”
“We are deeply saddened by the situation in Yemen, with which we share deep-rooted historical ties and heartfelt bonds,” President Erdoğan stated, and said: “It is our biggest wish that this problem be solved as soon as possible within the national unity and territorial integrity of Yemen. With Egypt, we have entered a period in which we have started to develop our relations in all fields which were stagnant for a while. We are determined to advance our cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit in this new period.
“Permanent peace in the Middle East is only possible through a lasting solution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We will continue to support the Palestinian people and State in their struggle for their legitimate rights on the basis of international law. To reiterate once again, without the creation of an independent and contiguous Palestinian State, based on 1967 borders, it is also difficult for Israel to find the peace and security it seeks. In this context, we will pursue our efforts, so that the historic status of al-Quds, especially Al-Haram Al-Sharif is respected.
“With the Balkans we have strong political, economic and social ties, which are rooted in history. We are displaying intensive efforts on bilateral, regional and international platforms to ensure stability, and to resolve conflicts through dialogue, in this critical region of Europe. We actively support the processes aimed at normalizing the recently strained relations between Kosovo and Serbia.”
“WE EXPECT THE EU TO SWIFTLY START FULFILLING ITS OBLIGATIONS”
Also touching upon the Türkiye-EU relations, President Erdoğan stated: ““The increasingly complex nature of regional and global challenges indicates that there is a need, now more than ever, to advance Türkiye-European Union relations on a healthy basis. We expect the European Union to swiftly start fulfilling its long-neglected obligations towards our country. Especially, the hesitant stance toward Türkiye must come to an end.
“Latin America and the Caribbean is another region where we mobilize all the elements of our humanitarian foreign policy, and where our ties of friendship are strengthening day by day. In the coming period, we aim to transform these relations into a Türkiye-Latin America and the Caribbean Partnership Policy.”
“SAHEL REGION FACES SERIOUS POLITICAL AND SECURITY CHALLENGES”
Stressing that on the 60th anniversary of its establishment, the African Union remains a monumental symbol of the continent taking its destiny into its own hands and standing up, President Erdoğan noted: “This process, which started with the will to find ‘African solutions to African problems’, has turned into one of the most important development projects in the world. To accompany Africa on this journey, we have crowned our ties of friendship with the continent with a strategic partnership. We welcomed the Africa Union’s G20 membership, which we strongly supported. However, it is a fact that the Sahel region faces serious political, economic, social and security challenges. We hope that Niger, which has been going through troubled times recently, reaches a constitutional order and a democratic governance as soon as possible. Any military intervention in Niger risks plunging this country and the entire region into deeper instability.”
“KARABAKH IS AZERBAIJANI LAND”
“Our Asia Anew Initiative has become a symbol of our will to further advance our relations with Asia, our ancestral homeland, on the basis of mutual benefit and common priorities,” President Erdoğan pointed out, and went on to say: “There is an historic opportunity before us to build peace, tranquility and cooperation in the South Caucasus. To seize this opportunity, we have launched a process with Armenia, aiming at good neighborly relations and full normalization. We have been supporting the negotiation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the very beginning. And yet, we see that Armenia cannot make the most of this historic opportunity. We expect Armenia to fulfill the promises it has given, opening of the Zangezur Corridor in particular. As it is already recognized by all, Karabakh is Azerbaijani land. Imposition of any status other than this will never be accepted. It must be our primary goal that everyone, including Armenians, live together in peace in the Azerbaijani lands. We support the steps taken to defend its territorial integrity by Azerbaijan, for which we act with the principle of ‘one nation, two states’.”
“WE HAVE EXTENDED A HELPING HAND TO THE ROHINGYA MUSLIMS”
Noting that Türkiye is strengthening its cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, President Erdoğan voiced his pleasure over the Organization of Turkic States becoming an increasingly effective actor on a regional and global level, and continued as follows: “The Afghan people, who have been going through difficult times for half a century, are in serious need of humanitarian aid and support, regardless of political motives. The transformation of the country’s Interim Government into an inclusive administration, in which all segments of society are fairly represented, will pave the way for Afghanistan and will be reciprocated positively at the international level. Another development which will pave the way for regional serenity, stability and prosperity in South Asia will be the establishment of a just and lasting peace in Kashmir through dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan. Türkiye will continue to support the steps to be taken in this direction. On every occasion, we underline that we respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of China. However, we will continue to express, and keep on the agenda, our sensitivity regarding the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of Uyghur Turks, with whom we have strong historical and social ties. We are a country which has extended a helping hand since the very first day to the Rohingya Muslims living in difficult conditions in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Our support to the displaced Rohingyas will continue until their safe, voluntary, dignified and permanent return to their homeland.
“TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS SHOULD BE SEEN AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SOLVE GLOBAL AND REGIONAL CHALLENGES”
Pointing out that another crucial global challenge is energy security, President Erdoğan stressed: “Türkiye has covered a long distance towards ensuring its own energy security, thanks to its investments in the field of energy over the last 20 years. We have intensified our efforts towards preventing energy from being an element of conflict and promoting its use on the basis of common interests. To this end, we are striving to extend the spirit of cooperation and solidarity in the field of energy in a wide geography, ranging from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Caspian Basin, from the Black Sea to the Balkans. Also in the field of transport, Türkiye is at a geopolitical position which allows it to support all the projects that will pass through or around it. Technological innovations should be seen as an opportunity to solve global and regional challenges rather than a means to increase competitiveness. Unfortunately, we are gradually moving away from the motto ‘Zero Hunger by 2030’, which is among the most essential United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In fact, we find it difficult to accept that hunger still remains an unsolved problem in the 21st century.”
“I SIGNED THE DECLARATION OF GOODWILL FOR GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO ZERO WASTE”
“We call upon all countries to display a strong will for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals,” President Erdoğan said, and added: “As one of the most generous countries in the world in terms of development aid, we believe that Türkiye has every right to issue this call. It is becoming increasingly difficult to limit the climate change-related global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. One of the requirements for this is to provide financial and technological support to the efforts of developing countries. ‘Food security’ is one of the main areas affected by climate change. We must develop and implement right policies and investments for the sustainable use of water and land resources. We cannot let our children inherit a world polluted by irresponsible consumption, and with depleted natural resources. In line with this understanding, we have elevated the Zero Waste Initiative that we have launched in our country under the auspices of my wife Emine Erdoğan with a vision of a more livable and fairer world, to a global dimension through the resolution co-sponsored by 105 countries and adopted at the United Nations. Yesterday, I signed the Declaration of Goodwill for ‘Global Commitment to Zero Waste’ at the Turkish House. We believe that our Zero Waste goals will also contribute to combating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. I hereby call on all the countries, international organizations and nongovernmental organizations to support the Zero Waste movement.”
“HATE SPEECH, POLARIZATION AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST INNOCENT PEOPLE HURT EVERY CONSCIENCE”
“Racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia, which spread like a virus especially in developed countries, have reached intolerable levels,” President Erdoğan further stressed, and continued as follows: “Hate speech, polarization and discrimination against innocent people hurt every conscience in all corners of the world. Unfortunately, populist politicians in many countries continue to play with fire by encouraging these dangerous trends. The mentality which encourages the heinous attacks against the Holy Quran in Europe by allowing them under the guise of freedom of expression, is in fact darkening its own future. Türkiye will continue to support initiatives to combat Islamophobia on all platforms, in particular the United Nations, OSCE and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I call on all our friends, who, regardless of their faith, do not accept attacks on sacred values, to support our efforts.”
“DEFENDING FAMILY MEANS DEFENDING THE FUTURE OF ALL THE HUMANITY”
“It is our common responsibility to tackle all these challenges that I have tried to address in a few sentences. We can fulfil this responsibility only through effective cooperation, solidarity, and by firmly upholding the humanitarian values. Unfortunately, the ancient values that make people human are recently under heavy attack. The primary target of these attacks, which threaten people, human creation, future and social structure, is family. In this regard, defending family and family institution means defending human and the future of all the humanity. I call on all our friends to display sensitivity in protecting family institution. Celebrating its centenary this year, the Republic of Türkiye will continue to work towards peace, prosperity and security for all. I wish the work of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly to strengthen the spirit of global cooperation and solidarity.”
Drawing attention to the six Azerbaijani citizens, who died a martyr’s death, President Erdoğan said: “I strongly condemn the latest unfavorable incident and wish that such incidents in the region will come to an end as soon as possible.”