EU welcomes decision by Türkiye, Israel to re-appoint ambassadors

Photo: AA/File

The European Union has welcomed Türkiye an Israel's decision to re-appoint ambassadors after more than four years.

"I welcome the announcement between Turkey and Israel to restore full diplomatic ties," EU commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Oliver Varhelyi wrote on Twitter yesterday (August 18).

The remarks came after the two countries announced a day before that they would resume diplomatic relations and mutually reappoint ambassadors and consuls.

Varhelyi called the agreement "another milestone strengthening bilateral relations, stabilizing the region and fostering prosperity."

"The EU is ready to support establishing new grounds of cooperation," he added.

"Rights of Palestine"

In a speech announcing the restoration of diplomatic ties with Israel, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu stressed that Türkiye will "continue to defend the rights of Palestine, Jerusalem, and Gaza, and it is important that our messages are conveyed directly to Tel Aviv at the ambassador level."

On Wednesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a phone talk with Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

Erdogan said he supports the development of cooperation and dialogue between the two countries built on a sustainable basis and respect for mutual sensitivities.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved in relations under a framework agreed on during recent visits to Türkiye by Lapid and President Isaac Herzog.

Herzog's visit to Türkiye in March, followed by reciprocal visits by both countries' foreign ministers, contributed to easing relations after more than a decade of tensions. (VK)