Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was welcomed by a crowd outside the Turkish House in New York, where he arrived to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and hold a series of diplomatic meetings.
Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan traveled to the Turkish House following their arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Turkish citizens carrying national flags gathered outside the building to welcome the president.
Security Barriers Removed as Erdoğan Approaches Crowd
As Erdoğan arrived at the Turkish House, he asked for the security barriers separating him from the people waiting outside to be removed.
After the barriers were moved, Erdoğan approached the crowd, spoke with supporters and greeted people who had gathered to welcome him in New York.
Erdoğan Interacts With Children
The Turkish president also interacted with children during the gathering outside the Turkish House.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdoğan noticed 9-month-old Mahir Selim Ürker crying in the crowd and asked the family to come closer. He greeted the baby and presented him with a gold coin.
In another moment, a young girl kissed Erdoğan’s hand, and the president responded by kissing her hand.
When one attendee told Erdoğan that he was praying for him, the Turkish president replied, “May God bless you, thank you. May there be many who pray for you.”
“A Very Full UN General Assembly”
Erdoğan also briefly spoke to reporters outside the Turkish House about his upcoming schedule in New York.
“We will hopefully have a very full United Nations General Assembly,” Erdoğan said. When a journalist noted that his schedule appeared particularly busy, Erdoğan replied, “Quite busy.”
He then entered the Turkish House with members of the Turkish delegation.
Erdoğan in New York for UN General Assembly
President Erdoğan is in New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to address the gathering and hold a series of bilateral meetings.
His visit will include diplomatic engagements and meetings on regional and international issues alongside events involving representatives of the Turkish and Muslim communities in the United States.
