Israel's defense minister meets Akar, Erdoğan in Ankara

Ganzt and Akar at the Ministry of National Defense. (Photo: AA)

Israel's defense minister visited Türkiye today (October 27) in what was the first such visit in over a decade.

Benny Gantz met his counterpart, Hulusi Akar, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the capital of Ankara.

Akar and Gantz held a one-on-one meeting and gathered with delegations to discuss bilateral relations and security issues. Later, the two ministers met the president.

Türkiye and Israel have been taking steps to normalize their strained relations for the past two years. In August, the countries agreed to restore full diplomatic ties and reappoint ambassadors and consuls general after a four-year hiatus.

About the improvement in bilateral relations, Akar said Erdoğan's meetings with Israel's President Isaac Herzog in March and PM Yair Lapid in September were a "significant turning point."

"Türkiye and İsrael are important actors in our region. We also have strong bonds and common values in both historical and cultural senses," he remarked, adding that they want to increase cooperation in defense, security and energy.

"Developing threats"

Gantz said, "While we are looking at our successes, we also keep one eye on the threats that develop."

"This year we were able to remove a worrying number of threats towards Israeli citizens and Jewish people in Türkiye as a result of close and confidential contacts. We are grateful to President Erdoğan, Minister Akar and the security institutions that took part in this vital life-saving cooperation.

"Alliances are being formed in face of worrying threats, and one of them is that Iran creates. Beyond doubt Türkiye, which is a NATO member, and an alliance of our common ally US is playing a significant role in securing global stability. While we maintain strong partnerships with Greece, Cyprus and our fellows in the Gulf countries, our bonds with Türkiye have also developed positively." (PE/VK)