Ankara, ‪13 August 2018‬ – The President of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, visited Turkey ‪on Monday, 13 August‬.
In Ankara, the President delivered remarks at the tenth annual Turkish Ambassadors’ Conference. This annual gathering focuses on Turkey’s foreign policy, and every year international dignitaries are invited to address it.
The President’s statement addressed the main priorities on the international agenda – including migration, peace, sustainable development and people – as well as the process to reform the United Nations. He also spoke about why the multilateral system is necessary, and where it could go in the years to come.
Flagging Turkey’s “very unique role on the international stage,” he said, “For centuries, it has influenced political, social and financial developments around the world. And that is why I am glad to have the opportunity to discuss some of these issues with you, the Ambassadors of Turkey – simply because we need you all on board if we want to move forward.”
While in the Turkish capital, President Lajčák met with H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey. During that meeting, Mr. Lajčák thanked Turkey for its strong support to the United Nations; its active and visible role in the General Assembly; and for hosting more refugees than any other country. They also discussed regional challenges and how they could be addressed through international cooperation.
The President also met separately with H.E. Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. Their discussion focused on dynamics in the region with an emphasis on finding political solutions through dialogue and diplomacy.
Upon his arrival in Ankara, the President met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Turkey, Ms. Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano. Ms. Vojáčková-Sollorano briefed the President on the United Nations’ work in Turkey.
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For media inquiries, please contact Brenden Varma, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, ‪1-212-963-7238‬, ‪1-347-556-3433‬, ‪varmab@un.org‬.