The United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week in New York will serve as the backdrop for a significant diplomatic encounter between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump. Set to occur next week, this meeting represents an opportunity for both leaders to address key bilateral and regional matters, according to the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack.
Amidst a backdrop of global discussions on pressing security and humanitarian issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as developments in Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, and Cyprus, Erdoğan and Trump will convene on the sidelines of the assembly. While specific topics for their meeting have not been disclosed, it is expected to build upon previous discussions from their July encounter at the NATO summit in Ankara, where they explored the future of the alliance and regional security dynamics.
This upcoming dialogue marks the continuation of an evolving relationship between Washington and Ankara, particularly during Trump’s second term. The leaders last met in person in September 2025, during Erdoğan’s first visit to Washington in six years, underscoring a phase of renewed engagement between the two nations.
The 81st United Nations General Assembly, running from September 22 to September 28, will gather world leaders to deliberate on a vast array of international concerns. As these discussions unfold, the meeting between Erdoğan and Trump could offer insights into how the United States and Turkey plan to navigate their partnership amidst complex global challenges.