Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories): ​​​​​​​

Arab leaders’ speeches at the UN General Assembly session

Addresses by the Arab leaders at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly between Sept. 23-29. Meetings of Arab officials and their counterparts from around the world on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to be followed.

⁠Ongoing Israeli onslaught in Gaza

Field and humanitarian developments followed the Israeli army’s announcement of deepening its incursion into Gaza City with the declared aim of occupying it, claiming a new armored division has begun entering Gaza City to reinforce the forces already deployed there.

Global Sumud Flotilla sailing to Gaza

Developments surrounding the Global Sumud Flotilla as its ships are 715 nautical miles from Gaza, converge in international waters ahead of an attempt to break Israel’s blockade on the enclave.

Ajban Defense Industry and Technology Exhibition in UAE

Abu Dhabi will host the Ajban Defense Industry and Technology Exhibition on Sept. 23–24, aimed at strengthening the UAE’s defense sector with a focus on fostering domestic partnerships. The event will provide a platform for local manufacturers to connect with potential suppliers and explore innovative solutions.

Turkish president to address UN General Assembly, attend meetings in US

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will address the UN General Assembly and attend several high-level meetings in the US. Erdogan will participate in a meeting on Gaza, alongside US President Donald Trump, as well as a session with representatives of American think tanks, coordinated by Türkiye’s SETA Foundation. He will also attend a reception hosted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump in honor of heads of state and their spouses.

UN General Assembly General Debate

Addresses by the major European leaders at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, including speeches from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Developments regarding possible announcements on the recognition of the state of Palestine, as the issue is likely to dominate proceedings at the UN.

French president’s interview following Palestine recognition

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks on BFM TV as the exclusive interview comes in the wake of France’s recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.

Swedish defense minister visits Berlin

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hosts his Swedish counterpart Pal Jonson at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Berlin.

The visit includes military honors, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bundeswehr memorial, bilateral talks, and a joint press statement. The ministers will discuss bilateral defense cooperation, joint arms projects, support for Ukraine, EU security and defense policy, as well as NATO-related matters.

UN agencies hold bi-weekly briefing in Geneva

The UN Information Service holds biweekly press briefing for UN bodies headquartered in Geneva.

The briefing includes updates from UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNRWA, and WHO. Most pressing issues around the world from conflicts to health, including the latest updates from Gaza are expected to be discussed.

NATO envoys to convene over Estonian airspace breach

NATO will hold a meeting at ambassadorial level to discuss recent violations of Estonian airspace. The talks come after alleged Russian incursions into Baltic airspace.

Estonia says three Russian MiG-31 jets violated its airspace for 12 minutes on Friday, prompting it to summon Moscow’s charge d’affaires and request NATO Article 4 talks, which Russia denies. NATO chief Mark Rutte is scheduled to hold a press conference.

Eurasian countries to address UN General Assembly

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan are scheduled to deliver statements during Tuesday’s sessions of the UN General Assembly’s general debate in New York.

Trump to address UN General Assembly, hold bilateral, multilateral meetings

US President Trump will address the 80th UN General Assembly. He will also attend a meeting on Gaza with Turkish President Erdogan and several Muslim country leaders. In the evening, Trump will host a reception in honor of some leaders attending the UN. Trump will also hold bilateral meetings with UN Secretary-General Guterres, as well as several other world leaders. He will return to the White House the same evening.

UN Security Council to discuss Palestine

The UN Security Council will hold a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Brazil’s Lula to address UN General Assembly

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will address the 80th UN General Assembly.

Russian border ship to visit Baku

A Russian border ship will arrive at the port of Baku between Sept. 23–25. The visit is part of a program of bilateral contacts between the border services of Russia and Azerbaijan, including joint events aimed at expanding technical cooperation and maritime coordination.

South African head of state to address UN General Assembly

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver a key speech at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

Ramaphosa is expected to speak on key international issues, including Israel’s war on Gaza, South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, conflicts across the African continent, and global trade and tariff concerns.

Indonesian and South Korean presidents address UN General Assembly

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to address the UN General Assembly high-level meetings in New York.

Malaysian premier visits Timor-Leste

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim begins a two-day visit to Timor-Leste. During his meetings with President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, the two sides are expected to discuss Timor-Leste's membership to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

SPECIAL REPORTS

INTERVIEW - After recognition, Scottish leader Swinney urges UK to do more for Palestine

Interview with Scottish First Minister John Swinney about the UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine, which he welcomes as a “landmark” and “long overdue” step.

Swinney calls for the UK to go further by taking measures such as ending arms sales to Israel and reviewing the UK-Israel Free Trade Agreement.

He also highlights the need for concrete efforts toward a two-state solution, stressing that progress on that end is vital for lasting peace, prosperity, and security.

Why African nations are taking in US deportees

Report on why some African countries are signing agreements to receive migrants deported from the US, a policy framed by governments as humanitarian or Pan-African solidarity but criticized by analysts as politically or financially motivated.

The story reviews mixed responses, from Ghana’s denial of financial gains to Uganda’s deal despite sanctions, and Eswatini’s reported request for $500 million. It also looks at speculation over US incentives, domestic backlash in some countries, and the broader impact on US-Africa relations, with experts warning of security and legitimacy risks.

The report includes comments from Nicodemus Minde, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Nairobi, and Ugandan human rights lawyer Jeremiah Kwitonda.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interview with Scottish First Minister John Swinney about the UK’s recognition of the state of Palestine and other measures that he believes the government should take, such as ending arms sales to Israel.