Istanbul, April 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a high-level meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Istanbul on Friday, according to a statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.
The meeting, held at the Dolmabahce Presidential Office, focused on advancing bilateral relations and exchanging views on pressing regional and global developments. President Erdogan emphasized the “historical bonds of friendship” shared between Türkiye and New Zealand, noting that Ankara considers Wellington an “essential partner” in the Pacific region.
Erdogan highlighted ongoing and future efforts aimed at enhancing cooperation in key sectors, particularly trade, transportation, and the defence industry. He underscored the mutual commitment to strengthening ties through concrete initiatives and diplomatic engagement.
Touching on international affairs, President Erdogan drew attention to the pressing global challenges, notably the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He reiterated Türkiye’s active role in seeking to halt Israeli attacks and called for the implementation of a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the region.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Head of Communications Fahrettin Altun, and Chief Foreign Policy and Security Adviser to the President Akif Cagatay Kilic were also in attendance at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Luxon, who is in Türkiye to mark the 110th anniversary of the Canakkale Land Battles and the Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremonies, was received with an official welcome ceremony at the same venue. President Erdogan later hosted a formal dinner in his honour.
