Turkiye has not invited the Israeli government to attend the leaders’ summit to be held as part of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, COP31 President and Turkish Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum.

Axar.az reports that Kurum stated that as the host country, Turkiye sends invitations to world leaders as part of the event’s organisation.

”We have not invited the Israeli government to the leaders’ summit. However, every country has the right to participate in negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations and present its positions, statements and projects. Therefore, all countries are invited to UN-organised events. However, as the host country, we have not extended an invitation to Israel to attend the leaders’ summit,” he said.

The minister added that hosting the climate conference would not change Ankara’s stance towards Israel.

“We will discuss climate issues and climate justice here. There can be no climate justice without peace. Therefore, this meeting (COP31) will not change Turkiye’s position on the State of Israel and its government,” he said.