Antonio Guterres was appointed to replace Ban Ki-moon, whose term will conclude on 31 December 2016, through the decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations. We would like to congratulate Mr. Guterres for his new position.

Turkey appreciated Antonio Guterres for his goodwill, devotion and professionalism displayed during 2005-2015 when he served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and welcomes the appointment of Antonio Guterres as the UN Secretary General. We believe wholeheartedly that the close relations and cooperation established with Turkey during his mentioned position will also continue in the period in which he will assume the duty of the UN Secretary General.

Foreign Minister H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu expressed his pleasure at the appointment of Antonio Guterres for the mentioned position in his congratulatory letter sent to Antonio Guterres on this occasion. He also emphasized that as well as the commitment of Turkey to the aims and principles of the UN, we are ready to provide every kind of support to the new Secretary General during his term against the challenges and threats which are encountered in the international arena and get harsher.

Turkey, being a founding member of the UN, vigorously contributes to the efforts of the UN in the fields such as prevention and settlement of disputes, peacekeeping activities, development and humanitarian aids. Turkey has also taken significant steps towards making Istanbul, which is an important business, finance and culture centre in its region, a UN centre. In addition, Turkey makes constructive contributions to the reformatory efforts carried out to adapt the UN to the new environment created by the political, economic, cultural and social changes.