Turkish, Iranian presidents discuss unity against Israeli “aggression” at UN PHOTO

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged stronger international efforts to counter Israeli actions that threaten regional security during a meeting with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The closed-door meeting, held on September 23 at the Turkish House, focused on bilateral relations, Israel's attacks on Palestine and Lebanon, and broader regional and global issues, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign sources.

“It is important to take steps that serve peace against Israel's aggression that threatens regional security,” Erdogan stated, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate. He emphasized that the international community must “raise its voice more on the basis of international law, diplomacy, and human rights to end the violence that Israel is committing in the Palestinian and Lebanese territories as soon as possible.”

Erdogan also highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, where he condemned the “Israeli massacres.”

Discussing the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Iran, Erdogan expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to develop, saying, "I believe our cooperation will be strengthened in every field, benefiting both nations."

Pezeshkian echoed Erdogan’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for unity among Islamic countries to stop what he described as the “Israeli genocide” of Palestinians. He also proposed the creation of a regional communication network, an idea that Erdogan endorsed as “very valuable.”

The two leaders also explored opportunities for deeper cooperation, including a large common market and increased academic, scientific, and economic exchanges, which they said would showcase the strength of the Islamic world.

This marked the first face-to-face meeting between Erdogan and Pezeshkian since the latter’s election in July, following the death of his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, in a helicopter crash earlier this year.