Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday said his country would boost ties with Israel, after “candid and frank” talks in Jerusalem.
“We agreed that despite our differences, the continuation of a sustainable dialogue will be beneficial,” Mr Cavusoglu said after meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.
The visit is the first by such a high-level Turkish official to Jerusalem in 15 years, a period in which Ankara twice recalled its diplomats over the deaths of civilians at the hands of Israeli forces.
Mr Cavusoglu said the two countries would boost trade and economic ties in areas including agriculture and aviation, such as allowing Israeli passenger planes to fly to Turkish destinations.
The bilateral talks did not result in the two sides reinstating ambassadors, who were expelled in 2018 as Ankara protested against the killing by Israeli forces of Palestinians taking part in Gaza border protests.
Mr Lapid said the two sides “have always known how to return to dialogue and co-operation”.
“We won't pretend that our relationship has not seen its up and downs," he said.
Turkey previously cut ties with Israel after its forces stormed a vessel which was leading a flotilla to the blockaded Gaza Strip. Nine Turkish civilians were killed in the 2010 raid. A 10th died in hospital after being in a coma for four years.
“The goal is to form and expand economic and civil co-operation between our two countries,” in addition to strengthening security ties, Mr Lapid said.
Mr Cavusoglu’s talks with Israeli officials came a day after he met the Palestinian leadership in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, where he pledged Turkey’s support for “the Palestinian cause”.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticised Israel for its treatment of Palestinians, last month condemning Israeli “interventions” against Muslim worshippers at Al Aqsa Mosque compound.
Israeli forces used rubber bullets in confrontations with worshippers at the mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem.
During Wednesday’s talks, Mr Cavusoglu said he shared concerns about Jerusalem and Al Aqsa.
“We believe that normalisation of our ties will also have a positive impact on the peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said.
Mr Cavusoglu later made a private visit to Al Aqsa, the third holiest site in Islam.
He prayed at the compound and was accompanied by officials from the Waqf, the religious authority that administers the site.
Jordan serves as custodian of Al Aqsa Mosque, although Israel has controlled access to the area since its military took control of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
The compound housing the mosque is also sacred to Jews, who are allowed to visit the site but not pray there.
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
More coverage from the Future Forum
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
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Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Abu Dhabi GP Saturday schedule
12.30pm GP3 race (18 laps)
2pm Formula One final practice
5pm Formula One qualifying
6.40pm Formula 2 race (31 laps)
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The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
The view from The National
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
