Turkey reportedly promotes Feridun Sinirlioglu for UN Secretary-General position

Recent reports originating from the Greek newspaper Kathimerini on September 30, 2026, suggest that Ankara is lobbying for the current Secretary-General of the OSCE, Feridun Sinirlioglu, to succeed Antonio Guterres as the next UN Secretary-General. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is reportedly spearheading these efforts, with diplomatic sources confirming that Turkey has already initiated informal contacts with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.

Sinirlioglu, a veteran diplomat who previously served as Turkey's Permanent Representative to the UN from 2016 to 2023 and as Deputy Foreign Minister, is viewed by observers in Cyprus and Greece as a staunch representative of the Turkish establishment, particularly regarding his historical stance on the Cyprus issue. While he is not yet an official candidate, the potential nomination has drawn significant scrutiny.

Greece, currently presiding over the UN Security Council for the month of October, is closely monitoring these developments. While Ankara is gauging international support, diplomatic assessments—including those cited in media reports—suggest that securing the necessary backing for such an appointment remains highly challenging. Speculation persists that major powers, including France, may be unreceptive to a Turkish candidate given the current geopolitical climate.