Johannesburg: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday held a series of diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of this weekend's G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, and Angolan President Joao Lourenco. Erdogan also engaged in a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Albanese shared on US social media platform X that it was "great to have a constructive conversation with President Erdogan."
Albanese further revealed that Australia will take on the role of President of Negotiations at the next year's UN climate change conference, COP31, which Turkey will host in Antalya. He emphasized that Australia would ensure the interests of the Pacific are advanced throughout the process, aiming to accelerate practical action and investment to maintain global temperatures within safer limits and build resilience against climate impacts.
During Erdogan's meeting with Carney, discussions focused on the relations between Turkey and Canada, along with regional and global issues. The Turkish Communications Directorate highlighted Erdogan's statement that Turkey is committed to enhancing cooperation with Canada across various sectors, including trade, energy, technology, and air transportation.
Erdogan underlined the importance of advancing defense industry ties between the two countries, noting that strengthening cooperation in this area would serve mutual interests. Additionally, Erdogan met with leaders of MIKTA, a cross-regional consultative platform comprising Turkey, Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, and Australia, on the margins of the gathering.
Accompanying Erdogan during his diplomatic engagements were Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Chief Foreign Policy and Security Adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic, and other senior officials.