On Thursday, Turkish Defense Minister Khulusi Akar reaffirmed that Israel and Turkey are significant regional players with close ties.
After their meetings in Ankara, he and his counterpart Benny Gantz gave a news conference where he added, “We gathered with Israel similar values at the historical and cultural level.
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“Important developments regarding regional peace and stability will result from the growth of relations and collaboration between Turkey and Israel, particularly in the domains of defence, security, and energy,” he stated.
The Turkish minister emphasised that he had productive discussions with Gantz and added: “On how to improve security and stability and foster greater regional cooperation, we traded information and opinions.
“He drew attention to Turkey and Israel’s joint military security efforts, as well as their extensive history and experience in the sphere of defence.
He also said: “We believe that increasing cooperation and dialogue between the two countries will facilitate the solution of some issues, especially the question of Palestine, which we have differences.
“Gantz, for his part, stated that Tel Aviv’s relationship with Turkey is progressing favourably and that “we will go on to assist it.”
He added: “There are great potential for cooperation in trade, tourism and industry and more areas than that, and our future is promising, but this depends on our common interests to maintain stability and security in the region and the world.
He also mentioned the removal of a troubling number of threats against Jews and Israeli citizens in Turkey and praised Minister Akar, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the security institutions for their participation in this crucial cooperation.
He emphasised Turkey’s and Israel’s capacity to fight terrorism and its backers.
Gantz discussed the Middle East and the East Mediterranean, highlighting the crucial role Turkey, a US NATO member, plays in maintaining international stability.
It is noteworthy that the relations between Israel and Turkey have witnessed a recent shift after the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Turkey last March on the first visit of an Israeli president to this country since 2007.
In an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties, the Turkish Foreign Minister paid a rare visit to Jerusalem at the end of May.
Defense Minister of Turkey: We gathered with Israel to discuss our shared principles and significant ties.
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