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Israel hails Türkiye as 'important global actor'

28 October 2022 15:29 (UTC +04:00)

Türkiye and Israel are two countries "with rich historical backgrounds and promising futures," said Israel’s defense minister, adding that his country views Türkiye as “an important global actor," APA reports citing Anadolu Agency

Speaking to reporters ahead of his departure late Thursday from Ankara, Benny Gantz expressed his satisfaction over his visit to Türkiye, thanking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Defense Minister Hulusi Akar for the "warm welcome" he received.

Türkiye and Israel "manage many security challenges," he noted.

Saying that Israel and Türkiye have a "shared interest to maintain stability and security, and to ensure prosperity in the region," Gantz argued that this also "requires a joint effort to fight terrorism."

Emphasizing that cooperation between Türkiye and Israel "is critical for both countries," Gantz said he has instructed his team to "begin the procedure required to reestablish working relations."

"We will progress our ties in a steady manner and maintain an open dialogue. Israel views the Republic of Türkiye as an important global actor, with great potential to expand our ties in the economic fields and now also in the defense area, and to make any possible effort to ensure and promote stability in the entire region," he said.

"But also with the Palestinian (issue), we do understand the need and the support Palestinians would like to get, definitely on the economic and humanitarian issue," he added.

Asked about the cancelation of a recently scheduled visit to Greece, Gantz said it was due to "technical, security issues."