Mevlut Cavusoglu: Normalization of relations between Turkey and Israel will have a “positive effect”
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday that the normalization of relations between Turkey and Israel would have a “positive effect” on a “peaceful” solution to the Palestinian conflict.
At a news conference after talks with his Israeli counterpart, Kavusoglu said the two countries have agreed to “reactivate” ties in several areas, including resuming talks on civil aviation.
Israel, Turkey seek to expand economic partnership
Cavusoglu is on the second day of a two-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, the first such visit by a senior Turkish official in 15 years.
“The goal is to build and expand economic and civil cooperation between our countries,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in a statement with Cavusoglu in Jerusalem, “and to take advantage of the comparative advantages of our two countries both regionally and globally.” To lift, even during the pandemic, and even in times of political tension.”
Lapid and Cavusoglu said officials would begin work on a new civil aviation agreement.
As Turkey and Israel work to repair their long-strained ties, energy is emerging as a key area for potential cooperation. The two countries expelled ambassadors in 2018 and traded frequently over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Cavusoglu is due to visit al-Aqsa Mosque later on Wednesday, Islam’s third holiest site and the scene of repeated clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police during the holy month of Ramadan. He said he had discussed the issue with Lapid.
“We believe that the normalization of our relations will also have a positive impact on the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Turkey is ready to take responsibility for the continuation of negotiation efforts,” Cavusoglu said.
