Turkey-Israel relations: Israel president to visit Turkey

Ground Report | New Delhi: Turkey-Israel relations; Turkey seeks to increase cooperation with the Gulf and Middle East countries In this context, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called close and friendly relations with the United Arab Emirates and Israel of special importance.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told NTV that Israeli President Isaac Herzog will visit Turkey next month, marking the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries. He added that the Ankara government is fully prepared to cooperate with Israel in various fields, especially in the natural gas trade.

Turkey recognized Israel as a state in March 1945, becoming the first Islamic country to speak out in defence of the sovereignty and integrity of the Jewish state. The history of bilateral relations between the two countries is old. However, since Recep Tayyip Erdogan came to power, diplomatic relations between the two countries have fluctuated.

Turkey-Israel relations

Erdogan is a fierce critic of the Israeli policy towards Palestine. In this regard, tensions were also observed between Turkey and Israel. However, Turkey's position has recently changed. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that despite differences on some issues, bilateral diplomatic and trade relations could improve.

According to critics, the Turkish president wants to improve relations with Israel, one of which is the acquisition of Israeli natural gas. Ankara competes fiercely with Greece and Cyprus for Israel's natural gas trade from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe, for which Israel has loosened its foreign policy.

Israel's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, it is clear that Israel is also seeking some improvement in its relations with Muslim countries by making some changes in its foreign policy.

UAE an important country

The latest example is the visit of Israeli President Herzog to the United Arab Emirates. He will visit the Gulf state on Sunday. This will be the first visit by an Israeli president to any Gulf state. Observers see this development as crucial for regional peace and development.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoßan also visited the United Arab Emirates on February 14. He told reporters on the occasion that the visit would enhance dialogue at the regional level. Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates soured in 2017 when the Ankara government sided with the Doha government in the Qatar dispute, rather than the Saudi allies.

According to the Turkish president, now is the time for Ankara to normalize relations with the Gulf countries and try to ensure regional stability. The Turkish lira is currently in deep trouble, while the country's economy is also under pressure due to inflation. Right now, Erdogan wants to improve trade relations with the Gulf countries to revive trade opportunities and cash flow.

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