Erdogan Urges UN Reform in Call With Macron, Invites French Leader to COP31 Summit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed bilateral relations and global issues during a phone call. Erdogan called for strong leadership and reforms at the United Nations ahead of Secretary-General António Guterres’ departure on December 31, 2026. He also invited Macron to Türkiye’s COP31 Leaders’ Summit, while Macron congratulated him on Türkiye’s Republic Day.

LEADERS DISCUSS UN LEADERSHIP AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed bilateral relations and major regional and international developments during a telephone conversation.
According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan stressed the need for strong leadership and meaningful reforms at the United Nations, particularly as the organisation prepares for a change of secretary-general at the end of 2026.
Erdogan said the next UN secretary-general should possess the vision and experience needed to strengthen the organisation’s position at the centre of multilateral cooperation and implement necessary reforms.

GUTERRES’ DEPARTURE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UN’S FUTURE

. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is due to leave office when his second term ends on December 31, 2026. The selection of his successor comes at a time when the United Nations faces demands to improve its ability to respond to international conflicts and other global challenges.
Erdogan’s comments reflect Türkiye’s position that effective leadership and institutional reform are important to maintaining the UN’s relevance and strengthening cooperation among countries.
However, the Turkish Communications Directorate did not disclose further details about the specific regional or global issues discussed by the two presidents.

ERDOGAN INVITES MACRON TO COP31 LEADERS’ SUMMIT

During the conversation, Erdogan invited Macron to attend the COP31 Leaders’ Summit, which Türkiye is scheduled to host.
The summit is expected to bring world leaders together to discuss climate change, international cooperation and efforts to address environmental challenges. The invitation provides an opportunity for Türkiye and France to engage on climate diplomacy alongside their broader bilateral relations.

DIPLOMATIC TIES AND FUTURE COOPERATION

Macron also congratulated Erdogan on Türkiye’s Republic Day, according to the Turkish presidency’s communications office.
Although the statement did not outline specific agreements reached during the call, the discussion highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries on international affairs, UN reform and climate cooperation.
Further details about Macron’s participation in the COP31 summit and any concrete outcomes from the leaders’ discussions were not provided.