Joint press release from Israeli President Herzog and Turkey’s Erdogan

Israeli President Herzog and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a joint press release after the first high-level meeting in 14 years. Erdogan said, “I believe that this historic visit will be a new era in Turkey-Israel relations.”

Yitzak Herzog, the first Israeli President to arrive in Turkey after 14 years, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced the cameras after their talks. The two issued a joint press release.

President Erdogan used the following statements;

“I believe that this historic visit will be a new turning point in Turkey-Israel relations. The development and strengthening of Turkish-Israeli relations is of great importance for regional stability and peace, as well as for our countries.

It is especially important that we realize our potential for cooperation in various fields, especially economic and commercial relations. Our trade volume has increased by close to 36 percent despite the epidemic. I believe that in 2022 we will increase this figure to 10 billion dollars.

Developments in our region have once again demonstrated the importance of energy security. We have serious cooperation opportunities in such areas as tourism, science, high technology, agriculture, health and defense industry.

Our delegation of 90 people with the organization of the Turkish Exporters Assembly held fruitful contacts in Israel. We will further advance our cooperation.”

HERZOG: OUR RELATIONS HAVE RECENTLY GONE THROUGH A PERIOD OF STRICTURE

Israeli President Herzog also delivered a speech after President Erdogan’s adressed the audience.

President Herzog said; “Our goal is to lay the foundations of friendly relations between our countries and peoples. The relations between our peoples are very decadent.”

He went on to say; “The relations between the two countries had recently gone through a period of narrowness. I believe that it will be examined on the basis of mutual respect and allow us to better deal with regional and global sensitivity. Israel and Turkey can and should make a striking cooperation in many areas in the region which we all call home.”