Turkevi in New York hosts guests around world during UNGA week

By Betul Yuruk

NEW YORK (AA) - Turkevi, which has been a popular destination since its debut in New York last year, is hosting world leaders at the 77th UN General Assembly meetings this year.

Also known as Turkish House, the 36-floor sky scrapper -- which headquarters Turkish diplomatic missions -- is located directly across the street from the UN building.

During the UNGA meetings when leaders convened for the first time since the pandemic this year, the center is witnessing vibrant moments and diplomatic traffic.

Turkevi established a name for itself with the diplomacy carried out at this year's summit, opening its doors not only to Turks but also to foreigners since its inception and gaining attention with the social and cultural activities it hosts.

During the week of the UNGA meetings, Turkevi has become the scene of intense diplomacy, with world leaders coming from Asia to Europe and the Middle East to the Americas.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is meeting with a number of leaders and delegations at Turkevi, which was visited by a number of heads of state and government as well as delegations last year.

Erdogan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Jordan's King Abdullah met with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and French President Emmanuel Macron at the center.

The Turkish president also met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Yemen's Presidential Council President Rashad Muhammed al-Alimi at the Turkevi.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei, World Jewish Congress head Ronald Lauder and leaders of the American Jewish Community Roof Organizations were also hosted by Erdogan.

The Turkish president also met with US Senator Lindsey Graham and US Ambassador to Ankara Jeff Flake at Turkevi on Tuesday.

This year's UNGA session opened on Tuesday will conclude on Sept. 26.