Ankara, March 10, 2026 – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to arrive in Ankara for a solidarity visit during the holy month of Ramadan. The visit will include meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as announced by Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, during a daily press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Guterres to Acknowledge Turkey’s Generosity Towards Refugees
Dujarric highlighted the purpose of Guterres’s visit, stating, “As you know, the Secretary-General undertakes a Ramadan solidarity visit every year. This year, he will travel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, to pay tribute to the extraordinary generosity of the Turkish people during his tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees and subsequently as Secretary-General.”
Turkey hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, with approximately 2.5 million refugees and asylum-seekers, including over 2.3 million Syrians. Dujarric emphasized Turkey’s open-door policy for millions who have fled violence and persecution. During his visit, Guterres is expected to engage with representatives of non-governmental organizations actively working to support refugees within Turkey.
“Atatürk International Peace Prize” to be Accepted Amid Global Turmoil
A significant part of the Secretary-General’s itinerary includes accepting the “Atatürk International Peace Prize” on behalf of all UN personnel worldwide. Dujarric noted that this award comes at a time of immense suffering globally, underscoring the importance of peace initiatives.
Guterres departed for Turkey on the evening of March 10, 2026, to commence his series of engagements in the capital. The discussions with President Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Fidan are anticipated to cover a range of regional and global issues, with a particular focus on humanitarian efforts and peacebuilding.
Turkey’s Pivotal Role in Refugee Crisis
Turkey’s commitment to humanitarian aid and its role in hosting a vast number of refugees have been consistently recognized by international bodies. The country’s efforts provide a critical safety net for individuals and families displaced by conflict and instability in neighboring regions.
The Secretary-General’s visit serves as a reaffirmation of the UN’s partnership with Turkey in addressing complex humanitarian challenges and promoting peace and stability. The meetings with high-level Turkish officials are expected to strengthen cooperation on these fronts, particularly in light of ongoing global crises.
Agenda Highlights:
- Meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
- Engagement with NGOs supporting refugees in Turkey.
- Acceptance of the “Atatürk International Peace Prize.”
- Discussions on regional and global humanitarian and peace initiatives.
The visit underscores the enduring importance of international solidarity and cooperation in tackling the multifaceted challenges of forced displacement and promoting global peace.
