G20 Summit: Erdogan Bids Farewell to Biden in Rio
The G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro was a gathering of world leaders focused on important global issues. As our plane landed at Galeao Air Base, we were followed closely by a plane carrying Chinese President Xi Jinping. Security was tight, with an additional 30,000 troops patrolling the streets of Rio around the congress center. While I will share my impressions of the G20 Summit, I would like to reminisce about two significant anecdotes related to Brazil.
Firstly, Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s words of gratitude to President Tayyip Erdogan. Silva recalled Erdogan’s warning in 2013 about the protests in Brazil, stating that they were not just about improving the city square (like Gezi Park), but aimed at overthrowing the government. This conversation left a lasting impression on Silva, and the warm embrace between him and Erdogan at the official welcome ceremony reflected their longstanding friendship.
Secondly, there was the presence of the “lame duck” President of the United States, Joe Biden. Following his visit to the rainforests, Biden arrived in Rio, seemingly oblivious to the protests by thousands of people in Copacabana and the streets of Rio against the killing of 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza by Zionist Israel. Biden, who had previously stated that Erdogan would be removed from power by supporting the opposition rather than through a coup, bid a less-than-ideal farewell to the G20 leaders.
As Erdogan bid farewell to Biden, he not only represented the senior leader of the G20 but also began preparations for another G20 meeting to be held in South Africa next year. The agenda of the Rio Summit included a focus on “Social Inclusion and Combatting Hunger and Poverty.” Turkey, known for being the country that donates the most in relation to its national income, emphasized the need to address the famine crisis in Gaza and reiterated its commitment to helping those in need worldwide.
The discussion at the G20 Summit also touched upon the topic of “Reforming Global Governance Institutions,” which aligns with President Erdogan’s initiative of “A More Just World is Possible.” As the global order faces chaotic developments, Erdogan remains optimistic and sees his call for justice resonating among people around the world, leading to movements within international organizations. Furthermore, Turkey’s approach of “win-win” cooperation and being praised as “as cheap as China, as high quality as Europe” in the African Union reflects a new representation of Africa within the G20.
Subheadings:
Biden’s Visit to Rio: A Missed Opportunity for Engagement
Erdogan’s Advocacy for Global Justice and Humanitarian Aid
Reforming Global Governance for a Fairer World
Biden’s Visit to Rio: A Missed Opportunity for Engagement
Despite the importance of the G20 Summit in Rio, President Biden’s visit to the city seemed to lack engagement with the pressing issues at hand. While he toured the Amazon rainforest, the protests in the streets of Rio against the atrocities in Gaza seemed to go unnoticed by the American leader.
The protests calling attention to the killings in Gaza highlighted the need for global leaders to address humanitarian crises and stand against injustice. Biden’s presence in Rio presented an opportunity for him to show solidarity with those affected by conflicts around the world, yet his focus appeared to be elsewhere.
Erdogan’s Advocacy for Global Justice and Humanitarian Aid
President Erdogan’s presence at the G20 Summit was marked by his advocacy for global justice and humanitarian aid. Turkey’s tradition of providing assistance to those in need, regardless of their location, was highlighted by Erdogan as he addressed the famine crisis in Gaza and emphasized the country’s commitment to helping the most vulnerable.
Erdogan’s call for a more just world and his efforts to reform global governance institutions reflect a vision of a fairer and more inclusive international order. By championing causes such as peace in regions affected by conflict and stability across diverse geographies, Erdogan’s leadership at the G20 Summit showcased Turkey’s commitment to global cooperation and solidarity.
Reforming Global Governance for a Fairer World
The discussions at the G20 Summit regarding the reform of global governance institutions underscored the need for a more equitable and transparent international system. President Erdogan’s initiative of “A More Just World is Possible” resonated with leaders at the summit, signaling a growing momentum towards reforming existing structures to better serve the needs of all nations.
By advocating for a fairer distribution of wealth and resources, Erdogan’s vision aligns with efforts to address poverty, hunger, and inequality on a global scale. The proposal to impose a 2% annual tax on the ultra-wealthy in Brazil, with the proceeds going towards combating hunger, reflects a commitment to social justice and shared prosperity.
In conclusion, the G20 Summit in Rio was a platform for world leaders to address pressing global challenges and advocate for a more just and inclusive world. President Erdogan’s leadership and advocacy for humanitarian aid and global justice set a positive tone for the discussions, highlighting the importance of cooperation and solidarity in addressing the complex issues facing our world today.
