French and Turkish leaders discuss bilateral relations and UN leadership

On October 28, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation to review bilateral relations and discuss international affairs. The talks took place during a period of regional sensitivity, marked by the arrival of the French research vessel Abeille Marengo in Crete to support underwater activities for the Great Sea Interconnector, a strategic electricity project linking Crete and Cyprus.

Beyond bilateral matters, the two leaders held an extensive discussion regarding the selection process for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. President Erdogan emphasized that the incoming head of the international organization must possess the necessary strategic vision and experience to address global challenges effectively. The dialogue covered a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest, reflecting the diplomatic engagement between Paris and Ankara amidst ongoing maritime and infrastructure developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.