Israel and Turkey have announced the resumption of full diplomatic ties, following years of strained relations.
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid overnight on Wednesday hailed the step as an “important asset for regional stability and very important economic news for the citizens” of the Jewish state.
Mr Lapid’s office said the decision to resume ties would see ambassadors and consuls general posted to the two countries once more and direct flights restarted.
The prime minister held a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which they agreed the move would “lead to many achievements, especially in the fields of commerce and tourism”, it said.
Mr Erdogan’s office said that in the call he expressed his support for the “development of cooperation and dialogue between Turkey and Israel on a sustainable basis and on the basis of respect for mutual sensitivities”.
The announcement follows months of bilateral efforts to mend ties, with reciprocal visits by top officials.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the return of ambassadors was “important to improve bilateral ties”, while vowing to “defend” Palestinian rights. Mr Cavusoglu in May became the first Turkish foreign minister to visit Israel in 15 years, during a trip which also saw him meet the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank.
Read the article by Rosie Scammell and Fulya Ozerkan in The Australian.