Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke about his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on the plane back from Washington, saying the two leaders agreed on the need to end the massacres in Gaza and pursue permanent peace through a two-state solution. The Turkish president said that the current situation cannot continue, while taking stock of his attendance at the UN General Assembly and his bilateral contacts in the US.

Responding to reporters’ questions, Erdogan noted that “our meeting with Mr. Trump was very important to prove the will to stop the massacres in Gaza. We discussed first how to achieve a ceasefire and then a lasting peace. We reached a consensus. The two-state solution is the only viable formula.”

The Turkish president stressed that the number of countries recognizing the Palestinian state has exceeded 150, following the decision of the United Kingdom and France. “The international community must act decisively. Israel is attempting to nullify these efforts with its occupation policy,” he said.

In his speech to the General Assembly, Erdogan reiterated Ankara’s positions on Syria and the war in Ukraine, and held meetings with leaders and ministers from several countries.

Talks with Trump

During the second phase of his visit to the US, Erdogan had a “very comprehensive meeting” with Donald Trump, he said. The two sides discussed boosting trade to a target of $100 billion, measures to facilitate investment, and possible defense cooperation. “We also looked at the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, stability in Syria and peace in the Middle East,”
he added.

Erdogan thanked the White House for its hospitality, noting that “it was a wonderful visit that cannot be marred by those who were, maliciously, slinging mud.” At the same time, he expressed confidence that his personal relationship with Trump is contributing positively to the improvement of Turkish-American relations.

Gaza in focus

On developments in Gaza, the Turkish president said that “it is impossible to justify the death of children and innocent civilians under the pretext of security.” He stressed that Turkey will continue to put the issue on the agenda until a “just and lasting peace” is achieved.

Referring to his speech at the UN, he said the photos he presented depicted “the oppression and crimes against humanity that increasingly isolate Israel.” As he said, “the voices of the oppressed are now heard louder than ever before.”

Diplomatic contacts

Erdogan stood by the importance of the diplomatic contacts held at the Turkevi in New York, calling it a “diplomatic center” that enhances Turkey’s role in international negotiations.

He also referred to relations with Syria, Egypt, and Libya, noting that Ankara supports Syria’s territorial integrity and wants “a country where all Syrians live in peace.” On Cyprus, he reiterated his position in favor of a two-state solution, stressing that “Turkish Cypriots will never accept being a minority on the island.”

In conclusion, he stressed that “if our internal front is strong, no one can impose anything on us from outside,” reiterating the doctrine of an “independent and strong Turkey” at all levels, from defense to the economy.