UN General Assembly week puts global crises and Türkiye’s diplomacy in focus
World leaders are gathering at the United Nations headquarters in New York for a high-stakes General Assembly week shaped by wars, humanitarian crises, economic pressures and growing diplomatic tensions.
Against that backdrop, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has renewed his call for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, while senior Turkish and US officials have highlighted the importance of their countries’ longstanding partnership.
Erdogan urges end to veto privilege
In an article published by Bloomberg, Erdogan argued that the international system must adapt to major changes in global politics, economics and security.
He called for the abolition of the veto power held by the five permanent members of the Security Council — the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China.
"It is essential to turn the need for reform into a concrete roadmap," Erdogan said, arguing that the roadmap should place the removal of the veto privilege at its center.
Erdogan said simply adding more permanent members would not address what he described as the concentration of decision-making power among a small number of countries.
He instead proposed a Security Council without permanent memberships, with members elected by the General Assembly for fixed terms.
Türkiye seeks stronger General Assembly role
Erdogan also called for greater authority for the UN General Assembly and stronger accountability of the Security Council to the wider membership.
His proposals come as conflicts, climate pressures, irregular migration, economic vulnerabilities and disruptions to trade and energy routes continue to test international institutions.
Using his longstanding slogan that "the world is bigger than five," Erdogan said global decision-making should better reflect the growing economic and political weight of regions including Asia and Africa.
He also called for greater access to development financing and a fairer distribution of responsibilities within the global economic system.
Ankara and Washington stress strategic partnership
At a separate event in New York during General Assembly week, Turkish President's Chief Foreign Policy and Security Adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic said Türkiye-US relations extend beyond military cooperation, while emphasizing NATO's continuing importance.
Speaking at a panel on Türkiye-US relations, Kilic said the bilateral relationship was distinctive and shaped by the countries' broader strategic interests.
Former US Ambassador to Türkiye James Jeffrey said the two countries share interests across institutions including NATO, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Jeffrey also said Türkiye's geographic position gives Ankara the ability to influence developments across the Mediterranean and much of Europe.
US senator praises 100 years of ties
US Senator Chris Coons separately highlighted the longstanding relationship between Türkiye and the United States at a "100 Years of Friendship Gala" in New York attended by Erdogan and First Lady Emine Erdogan.
Coons described the relationship as a century of partnership and friendship, saying business ties and entrepreneurship had helped strengthen bilateral relations.
He also pointed to the countries' NATO alliance, noting that Türkiye and the US are approaching 75 years as treaty allies.
The gala, organized by the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-Türkiye Business Council, brought together senior Turkish officials, US lawmakers, business representatives and other government figures.
A photo exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of Turkish-American diplomatic relations was also opened during the events in New York.
Diplomacy takes center stage
The events surrounding the General Assembly underline Türkiye's efforts to present itself as an active participant in debates over reform of the international system, while maintaining its strategic relationship with Washington and its role within NATO.
As leaders gather in New York, questions over the future of the UN, the balance of global power and the ability of existing institutions to respond to new crises are expected to remain central to diplomatic discussions.
Source:AA
