In his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored Turkey’s commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. He emphasized the necessity of resolving the conflict through dialogue, reaffirming Turkey’s unwavering stance on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. As the war stretches into its third year, Erdogan expressed concerns over the accelerating arms race, which has gradually diminished the space for meaningful diplomacy.

Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s steadfast adherence to the Montreux Convention, a critical international treaty governing the passage of naval ships through the Black Sea. By doing so, Turkey seeks to maintain regional stability amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. He highlighted that while the conflict rages on, the international community must prioritize peaceful resolutions that respect national boundaries and promote sustainable peace.

However, Erdogan’s speech extended beyond the immediate issue of the Ukraine war. He voiced concerns about the broader inefficacy of the United Nations, particularly its Security Council. According to Erdogan, the UN is increasingly becoming a “dysfunctional, cumbersome, and inactive structure.” He called for urgent reform, echoing his well-known critique that the world cannot be adequately governed by the decisions of only five permanent Security Council members, captured in the phrase, “The World is Bigger than Five.”

This appeal for reform emphasizes a growing frustration with the UN’s ability to manage global conflicts and uphold its original mission of fostering peace, justice, and stability. Erdogan believes that the organization must evolve to meet the complex challenges of today’s world, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, where diplomacy and dialogue must be prioritized over arms escalation.

Erdogan’s speech at the UNGA demonstrated Turkey’s dual focus: contributing to peace efforts in Ukraine while advocating for more comprehensive international reforms to ensure that global governance is more representative, efficient, and effective in promoting world peace. As the war in Ukraine continues, Turkey’s role as a regional power and mediator could prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the conflict.

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