Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara to discuss pressing regional issues and preparations for the upcoming UN General Assembly. The meeting highlighted growing international momentum toward the recognition of a Palestinian state, a subject gaining renewed urgency amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

At the center of their discussions was the devastating war on Gaza, now entering its second year. Both leaders stressed the urgent need to halt hostilities, prevent further civilian suffering, and pursue a diplomatic solution. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and advocating for their rights on the global stage.

The talks also addressed recent developments in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, where tensions remain high due to settlement expansion and forced displacements. Abbas emphasized that lasting peace and regional stability cannot be achieved without ending these practices and ensuring Palestinian sovereignty.

Under the joint sponsorship of Saudi Arabia and France, several influential nations—including the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, and France—have expressed readiness to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly. This coordinated effort signals a significant shift in global diplomacy regarding the Palestinian cause.

Abbas reiterated that establishing a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the cornerstone of any viable two-state solution. He warned that without such recognition, the region will remain trapped in cycles of conflict and instability.

The meeting also touched on the historical ties between Palestine and Turkiye. Erdogan highlighted the centuries-long connection dating back to the Ottoman era, reinforcing Ankara's role as a steadfast supporter of Palestinian aspirations.

Abbas arrived in Turkiye for a three-day official visit, underscoring the deepening cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders vowed to coordinate efforts ahead of the UN Assembly, where Palestinian statehood is expected to take center stage in global diplomacy.

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