Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham discussed regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations during their first face-to-face meeting Tuesday on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly.
According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan said relations between Türkiye and the UK were continuing to strengthen across various fields.
He said cooperation could be expanded further, particularly in areas such as the defense industry and trade.
Addressing developments in the Middle East, Erdogan criticized Israel’s actions in the region and said its conduct indicated that it was not pursuing peace in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He emphasized the need for greater international pressure.
Erdogan also discussed tensions involving Iran and Ukraine, saying progress on an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz could help create conditions for renewed negotiations.
Regarding Ukraine, he said the conflict remained at an impasse and noted that attacks involving Turkish and other commercial vessels in the Black Sea were adding further complexity to the situation.
On Cyprus, Erdogan said any proposed settlement would face difficulties unless the sovereign equality and international status of Turkish Cypriots were recognized.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, presidential chief adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic and other officials also participated in the meeting.
PRESS UPDATE