ISTANBUL

Türkiye hopes that upcoming decisions by various countries to recognize the state of Palestine will accelerate implementation of a two-state solution, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday.

What makes this week’s UN General Assembly different from previous ones is that many countries will recognize the state of Palestine, Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul ahead of his departure for the General Assembly summit in New York.

On Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa attending this year’s General Assembly, the Turkish president said Ankara will not abandon Damascus and will use all the means at its disposal every day to help make its neighbor stronger.

Erdogan added that he will have the opportunity to meet with Sharaa at New York’s Turkevi Center, or Turkish House, during the General Assembly.