From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Erdogan: Herzog’s visit will be turning point in Turkey’s ties with Israel
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleTal Schneider is a Political Correspondent at The Times of Israel
President Erdogan and President Herzog have begun their opening remarks to the press after their closed-door meeting at the presidential palace in Ankara.
“I am pleased to welcome President Herzog to the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Welcome to Turkey. I believe that this historic visit will be a turning point in relations between Turkey and Israel. Strengthening relations with the State of Israel has great value for our country,” Erdogan says.
Erdogan says expanding the dialogue between the countries will help lead to solutions to issues of controversy. He notes that trade has flourished in recent years, despite the lag in ties.
Erdogan emphasizes energy and trade collaborations and discusses the recent visit of a delegation of Turkish leaders in Israel.
The Turkish leader says the two discussed the Palestinian issue during their closed-door meeting. “It is important to reduce tensions in the region and preserve chances for a two-state solution,” Erdogan says.
Erdogan closes by condemning antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism. “Antisemitism is a crime against humanity,” he says.
The Times of Israel Community.