The Secretary-General met today with H. E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey.

The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the attacks in Paris and stressed the need for the international community to address terrorism in a determined and unified way.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the Turkish presidency of the G20, stressing that this Summit was happening in somber times that required unity of action. In that context, the Secretary-General reiterated that he will present in a few months his comprehensive Plan of Action Against Violent Extremism.

The Secretary-General and President Erdogan also exchanged views on the way forward to resolve the situation in Syria. The Secretary-General warmly thanked Turkey for hosting such a large number of refugees from that country.

The two leaders finally discussed the situation in Palestine, Libya and Cyprus, as well as issues related to climate change. The Secretary-General highlighted the importance to mobilize the G20 countries in order to achieve a meaningful and ambitious agreement in Paris.