(MENAFN) Türkiye is emphasizing the principles of collaboration and inclusiveness in its campaign to host and preside over the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Türkiye and Australia have emerged as the two contender nations to organize COP31, which is scheduled for 2026.

The sources noted that a foundation of mutual understanding was established between the parties during discussions held between Ankara and Canberra at the 80th UN General Assembly. They added that the process had advanced through constructive dialogue.

In this context, both countries had agreed to co-chair the presidency, jointly host high-level meetings, and conduct the negotiation procedures together.

However, a letter from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “rejected previously agreed-upon issues,” effectively returning the process to its initial stage, the sources stated.

Australia withdrew from the discussions, contending that “the co-chairing model is not envisaged under UN rules and could divert COP from a Pacific-focused agenda.”

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