In an interview with journalists aboard his return flight, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared insights from his recent diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. His discussions underscored Türkiye's commitment to humanitarian efforts, climate action, and a cooperative future with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Erdogan attended the second extraordinary joint summit between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League in Riyadh. In his address, he condemned ongoing genocide in Gaza and the war on Lebanon, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian aid. He highlighted Türkiye's proactive stance, including a recent initiative in the United Nations aimed at halting arms shipments to Israel. With backing from 52 nations and two international organizations, Erdogan’s efforts to mobilize additional UN member states were positively received.
During bilateral meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and several African and Middle Eastern nations, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s humanitarian role and contributions to Gaza relief efforts.
Following his visit to Riyadh, Erdogan joined the COP29 Climate Summit in Baku, hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The summit, which drew leaders from 80 nations, focused primarily on financing climate change mitigation, particularly for developing countries. Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's pledge to the UN’s $100 billion climate fund and shared updates on Türkiye’s domestic initiatives, such as reforestation, water management, and expansion of renewable energy sources. Türkiye currently ranks fifth in Europe and eleventh globally in renewable energy production.
Highlighting Türkiye’s dedication to environmental sustainability, Erdogan introduced the Zero Waste initiative spearheaded by his wife, Emine Erdogan, which has gained international traction. Türkiye also marked November 11 as National Reforestation Day, a move to engage citizens in widespread tree-planting efforts.
With Trump’s recent election victory, Erdogan expressed optimism for renewed U.S.-Türkiye relations. He referenced his phone call with Trump post-election and anticipated a closer working relationship compared to that under President Biden. Emphasizing mutual economic interests, Erdogan noted that Türkiye’s strategic location and robust workforce offer significant investment opportunities, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and technology.
Erdogan acknowledged Elon Musk's presence during his recent talks with Trump, viewing Musk’s expertise as a potential asset in future U.S.-Türkiye technology partnerships. Türkiye’s advancements in the tech sector, Erdogan noted, make it an attractive partner in global innovation and space exploration.
When asked about the implications of Trump’s presidency on regional stability, particularly concerning Israel and Gaza, Erdogan expressed cautious optimism. He deferred full analysis until Trump formally takes office, hoping for a constructive approach that prioritizes regional peace. He also mentioned the influence of China and Russia, suggesting that time will reveal how these major players will position themselves in response to evolving global dynamics.
Erdogan’s diplomatic engagements in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan reflect Türkiye's proactive role on pressing global issues, from humanitarian aid and climate change to revitalizing international partnerships.
