Erdoğan describes 'terror' as biggest problem for Syria's future

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday said a "terror swamp" east of the Euphrates river remains the "biggest problem" for Syria's future.

"Currently the biggest problem for the future of Syria is the terror swamp, expanding under the auspices of some of our allies, east of the Euphrates," Erdoğan said in a news conference ahead of his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly.

Underscoring that no country has been more affected by the Syrian civil war than Turkey, he said he would draw attention to the humanitarian crises in his speech at the General Assembly on Sept. 25.

Erdoğan is to hold a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as well as with other heads of states during his visit to New York.

Recalling his meeting with representatives of U.S. companies in Turkey last week, Erdoğan also said he is to hold similar ones in New York.

Regarding a possible meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Erdoğan said it was currently not on the table but that he would consider it if it was requested by Washington.

Erdoğan also conveyed his condolences to the people and government of Iran following the armed attack in southwestern Iran, which killed at least 25 people and injured more than 60 others.

"With such incidents, the sensitivities in the region grow," Erdoğan added.

Following his New York visit, Erdoğan is to pay an official visit to Germany on Sept. 27-29 upon invitation from his counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Erdoğan said he is also to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"I will also receive the senior representatives of German companies that are investing in Turkey. The final day of my visit will be in Cologne, where I will visit the Central Mosque and attend the official opening ceremony," he added.