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Israel, Turkey announce restoration of full diplomatic ties, both nations to appoint ambassadors

Israel and Turkey announced the resumption of full diplomatic relations on Wednesday. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

TN World Desk

Updated Aug 18, 2022, 06:58 IST

Israel, Turkey to restore full diplomatic ties

Photo : iStock

Ankara: Israel and Turkey will restore full diplomatic ties. Both the countries announced the resumption of full diplomatic relations on Wednesday. Israel and Turkey had years of strained relations, reported AFP. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Lapid hailed the move. He said that the step was essential for regional stability. He added that it was important news for the citizens of his country. After the announcement, ambassadors and consuls general will be posted to the two countries and direct flights between the two nations will also resume.

During the phone call, both the leaders agreed that the move would lead to many achievements, especially in the fields of commerce and tourism, Lapid's office said. In the past few months, Turkey and Israel were trying to improve their bilateral relations.

Also Read: Palestinian Islamic Jihad group's top 'military' leadership in Gaza 'neutralised', says Israel army.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the return of ambassadors was essential for improving bilateral ties. However, he also clarified Turkey's stand on the Palestine issue. Cavusogly vowed to "defend" Palestinian rights, reported AFP.

In May this year, Cavusoglu became the first Turkish foreign minister to visit Israel in 15 years. During his trip, he also met the Palestinian leadership in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, in March Israeli President Isaac Herzog also visited Turkey.

Relations between the two Mediterranean nations started to decline after an Israeli military operation in Gaza. Diplomatic relations hit the rock bottom in 2010 after the deaths of 10 civilians following an Israeli raid on the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship.

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