ANKARA / ISTANBUL

Turkish first lady Emine Erdogan has concluded a series of diplomatic engagements in New York, where she visited for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

"We came to the end of another visit to New York, where we presented our cultural heritage to the world, strengthened friendships and took the first steps for strong relations," Erdogan said on X, expressing hope that these efforts would contribute to world peace.

During the five-day visit, Erdogan, who chairs the UN Advisory Board on Zero Waste, met with various officials and participated in several events at the Turkish House, Türkiye's dedicated diplomatic headquarters in New York.

Notably, she hosted a program titled "Bridal Treasures: A Journey Through Ottoman and Anatolian Dowries," welcoming the spouses of world leaders and offering traditional Turkish hospitality.

Another event she held, "Flavors of Africa: A Feast of Culture, Cuisine, and Friendship," promoted African culture and cuisine.

The Turkish first lady also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Jeffrey Sachs, president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

In her role as chair of the UN Advisory Board on Zero Waste, Erdogan met with Najat Maalla M'jid, special representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence against Children.

She attended a UNICEF-organized program, "A Starfish Story: A Global Call to Volunteers of the Heart," where she called for global cooperation in strengthening foster care systems.

"I join this global call for volunteers of the heart and invite every compassionate nation that seeks to protect our children, the future of humanity, to unite in strengthening foster care," said Erdogan.

She attended a luncheon on Wednesday hosted by her US counterpart, Jill Biden.

The Turkish first lady also met with Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of US civil rights leader Malcolm X, at the Turkish House.