Erdoğan calls for more countries to recognize state of Palestine

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday urged more countries to recognize Palestine as an independent state, emphasizing its importance on the international stage.

"Since Oct. 7 (2023), nine countries have recognized the state of Palestine. We reiterate our call to the countries that have not yet done so to recognize the state of Palestine," Erdoğan said during a news conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who was visiting Türkiye at Erdoğan’s invitation.

Recognizing Palestine holds significant meaning, especially given the current ineffectiveness of international organizations intended to ensure peace and security, Erdoğan asserted.

Mentioning how Türkiye opened the way for Finland's NATO membership before Sweden, after both applied in the wake of Russian launching a war on Ukraine in February 2022, Erdoğan stated: "Our only condition was that there should be no movement regarding terrorism in Finland. We said that terrorism must be curbed there as soon as possible."

Finland officially joined NATO in April 2023, securing approval from all current members, including Türkiye, which has been part of the alliance for over 72 years.

Stubb highlighted the shared geographic challenges faced by both Türkiye and Finland.

"As NATO allies, both countries hold significant military power," he noted.

"Türkiye acts as a crucial bridge between the West and the East, and its role in a multipolar world has never been more important," Stubb added.

Türkiye has been a steadfast advocate for the recognition of Palestine, a push that has intensified amid Israel’s extended offensive on Palestinians in Gaza, which has led to widespread destruction, blocked humanitarian aid, repeated displacements, and resulted in over 41,000 deaths and more than 96,000 injuries.

Stubb visits Anıtkabir

Before the meeting, Stubb also paid a visit to modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mausoleum, Anıtkabir.

After laying a wreath at Atatürk’s tomb and observing a moment of silence, he signed Anıtkabir’s guestbook, underscoring the centenary of diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Finland.

"The Republic of Türkiye, founded over a century ago by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, shares a profound history of close relations with Finland. Merely a year after its foundation, Türkiye and Finland cemented their enduring ties through the Friendship Agreement in 1924,” Stubb wrote.

“Today, as president of Finland, it is a distinct honor to visit Ankara, Türkiye and Anıtkabir as a friend and ally of Türkiye."

Later, speaking at an event at Bilkent University, Stubb emphasized the necessity of multilateralism and the pivotal role of the United Nations in maintaining global order, stressing the importance of adherence to international law.