Turkish President Erdogan arrives in US to attend UN General Assembly

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in New York on Sunday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly high-level week.

Erdogan was welcomed at John F. Kennedy International Airport by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the UN Ahmet Yildiz, Ambassador to the US Sedat Onal, Consul General in New York Muhittin Ahmet Yazal and other officials.

He arrived at the Turkish House in New York City around 5.50 pm local time (2150GMT) and was welcomed by a large crowd, including Turkish Americans.

People gathered outside to greet Erdogan, with one person heard shouting in Turkish, “We came from Germany to welcome you.”

An Egyptian man in the crowd was also heard telling Erdogan: “We appreciate what you do for all of us.”

Erdogan later spoke briefly to reporters outside the Turkish House, saying he has a busy program ahead during the UN General Assembly week.

He is expected to deliver his annual UN speech on Tuesday, the opening day of the high-level week, where global leaders use the UN podium to address the world.

His address will mark his 16th appearance before the General Assembly.

The main focus of his speech is expected to be Israel's actions in Gaza, the need to recognize Palestine as a state, and potential international measures against Israel.

Erdogan will likely draw attention to the humanitarian plight in Gaza and call on UN member states to take a stand against Israel's continued attacks on the Palestinian people as well as countries in the region.

During the week, he is also scheduled to hold meetings with numerous heads of state and government as well as deliver remarks at the UN secretary-general's Climate Summit on Wednesday.

Türkiye in November is set to host the UN’s annual Climate Change Summit, known as COP31, in the Mediterranean city of Antalya.

Erdogan’s journey to New York started at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport aboard the presidential aircraft. He was accompanied by first lady Emine Erdogan and senior officials including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran.