As world leaders gather for the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, significant diplomatic engagements are set to unfold on the sidelines. Among them, a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump is scheduled, as confirmed by US Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack. This meeting offers an opportunity for both leaders to address key bilateral and regional issues.
Although the specific agenda for this upcoming meeting remains undisclosed, it follows a pattern of recent interactions between the two presidents. Their last encounter took place during the NATO summit in Ankara in July, where discussions revolved around the future of the alliance, regional security, and international conflicts, reflecting strengthening ties between Washington and Ankara during President Trump’s second term.
President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to the United States marks his first since September 2025, when he met with President Trump at the White House after a six-year hiatus from Washington. This visit coincides with the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, running from September 22 to September 28, where global leaders are expected to deliberate on pressing international security and humanitarian challenges.
Key topics likely to dominate the UN discussions include the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as developments in Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, and Cyprus. The Erdoğan-Trump meeting is anticipated to touch upon some of these critical issues, as both leaders aim to strengthen their bilateral relationship while navigating complex regional dynamics.