Erdoğan: “63,000 Killed in Gaza, UN Must Be Reformed”

At the 25th Heads of State Council Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan drew global attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, urging the international community to act decisively.

“63,000 people have been massacred. The United Nations needs reform. There is no justification for failing to stop a barbarity where babies and children die of hunger,” Erdoğan said.

He added that the scale of civilian suffering should trigger a moment of moral reflection:

“We must put our heads between our hands and think.”

Erdoğan emphasized that the UN must be reshaped into a platform that truly represents global justice, especially in light of decades-long oppression faced by the Palestinian people.

Position on Syria

Turning to regional security, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s stance on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We stand for Syria’s territorial integrity and will resist threats against it. A new era has begun for Syria, and we will oppose any attempts against its security,” he declared.

He added that rebuilding Syria on the principles of unity and territorial integrity would benefit the entire region, underlining Türkiye’s commitment to stability and peace in its neighborhood.

Wider Regional and Global Issues

Erdoğan also addressed cooperation in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, welcoming recent steps toward stability:

• He expressed satisfaction with progress in regional peace, security, and prosperity.

• He noted Türkiye’s ongoing preparations to host the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference.

• He highlighted energy and connectivity as vital to global stability and sustainable growth, calling for deeper partnerships under the SCO framework.

“The SCO is an important platform for strengthening cooperation in energy security and connectivity. Türkiye’s vision is to resolve problems through dialogue, diplomacy, and the spirit of cooperation, with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Vision for the “Century of Türkiye”

Erdoğan closed his speech by tying these issues to Türkiye’s long-term vision:

“In the Century of Türkiye, we will pursue our goals with determination, defending our unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. Our vision is that all disputes are resolved through dialogue.”