In a sign of changing times, one of Israel's most vocal critics in recent years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heaped praise on Israel in a meeting with the Jewish State's top diplomat.
"We will never forget the assistance we were privileged to receive from the State of Israel. I know you [Israel] rescued 19 Turkish citizens alive, you were among the first to arrive, and your people worked in a very professional manner. I want to express my deep appreciation from the bottom of my heart." This is what Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen during their meeting in the palace in Ankara earlier this week.
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met w/ Turkish President Erdogan:
— Adam Albilya - אדם אלביליה (@AdamAlbilya) February 14, 2023
They discussed issues regarding the Iranian nuclear, Israeli citizens & bodies of soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza, and more.
Minister Cohen: "We'll continue to strengthen the relations between the countries together". pic.twitter.com/JlkIOP4CN0
Cohen came to Turkey for a visit of solidarity with the Turkish people following the powerful earthquake that struck the country, during which he met with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlot Çebusulu and visited a field hospital that the IDF established at the epicenter of the disaster, where 480 wounded were treated, including some Syrian citizens. The hospital will close this week and his team members will return to Israel.
The culmination of the visit was Cohen's meeting with President Erdogan, which lasted about 50 minutes. In the meeting, which can be seen as a personal gesture by Erdogan to Israel, Cohen expressed his condolences to the Turkish people on behalf of the government and the people of Israel.
I have arrived in Turkiye to express my solidarity with the Turkish people. I will meet with President Erdogan and Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu, and extend the condolences of the State of Israel for the devastating disaster that affected Turkiye. >> pic.twitter.com/o8EN2vc08w
— אלי כהן | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) February 14, 2023
In addition, Minister Cohen promised to continue providing Turkey and its citizens with humanitarian aid in order to continue strengthening relations between the two countries. Cohen said: "The relations between Israel and Turkey are important for the stability of the region. Friends are measured even in times of trouble and in this difficult time, Israel reaches out and expresses solidarity with Turkey."
In the meeting between the two, the foreign minister brought up the issue of Israeli citizens and the bodies of soldiers in the hands of the terrorist organization Hamas. Erdogan, for his part, promised to help promote the issue. Cohen also raised Israel's concern about the Iranian nuclear program and the importance of maintaining regional stability. Erdogan spoke about the issue of the Temple Mount and the need to maintain the status quo there, especially for the month of Ramadan. Cohen replied that Israel is committed to maintaining the freedom of worship in the holy places.
Alongside Foreign Minister Eli Cohen during our visit to Turkey where we met with Turkish President Erdoğan and FM Çavuşoğlu.
— Ronen Levi (Maoz) (@RonenLeviMaoz) February 14, 2023
As soon as news about the earthquake spread, the 🇮🇱 MFA immediately offered assistance to the Turkish People during their difficult time. pic.twitter.com/MFebFhIxV7
Cohen later told Yedioth Ahronoth reporters that "one of the most exciting things about my visit was when I came to visit the Israeli Embassy. We saw Turks who thanked the State of Israel warmly. The citizens of Israel can be proud of what the State of Israel has done during the last eight days." Cohen added that "the relations between the two countries have seen ups and downs and challenging times. Israel's activity will undoubtedly strengthen the strategic relationship with Turkey, and show Israel's beautiful face to the world."
