ISTANBUL
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he will hold talks with US President Donald Trump on Monday, with the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in Gaza expected to top the agenda.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul on Friday, Erdogan said their conversation set for Monday afternoon will focus on key regional developments.
“We will have another phone call with President Trump on Monday," he said, adding that they will discuss developments between Russia and Ukraine as well as the situation in Palestine.
‘Palestine is not alone’
Erdogan also commented on the large pro-Palestine rally held on Istanbul’s Galata Bridge on New Year’s Day, hailing it as a powerful public message of solidarity.
“As we entered the new year, we all witnessed a historic moment on the Galata Bridge. It showed clearly that Palestine is not alone,” he said.
He underlined that Türkiye will continue to stand by Gaza and the Palestinian people, both at the national level and in coordination with the wider Islamic world.
“We have not abandoned Gaza or Palestine, nor will we ever,” Erdogan added.
Gaza’s humanitarian plight
Decrying Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, Erdogan said the humanitarian suffering, particularly of children living in harsh conditions, will not go unanswered.
“The suffering of children living in makeshift tents amid wind, rain and mud will not go unanswered, and (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu will not escape accountability,” he said.
Erdogan noted that humanitarian assistance efforts face continued restrictions, including obstacles to delivering temporary housing materials to Gaza.
Despite the challenges, he said Türkiye would continue to pursue all possible channels to support Palestinians and alleviate their suffering.
Ukraine war diplomacy
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Erdogan said Türkiye remains in close contact with all sides, including Russia, Ukraine, and Western partners.
He also said a summit of the coalition of the willing will be held in Paris next week, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attending the meeting on his behalf.
Erdogan added that diplomatic engagement would continue through upcoming international talks, including his Monday phone call with Trump.