Israeli Foreign Minister meets with Erdogan to deepen ties

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met today in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to whom he assured that Israel will continue to send humanitarian aid after the earthquake and urged "further strengthening" of relations between the two countries.  

"Minister Cohen expressed his condolences on behalf of the Israeli government and the people of Israel to the Turkish people," an Israeli ministry spokesman said. "The minister pledged to continue to provide humanitarian aid to Turkey for the benefit of the victims and for the continued strengthening of relations between the two countries," the statement added. 

"Friends are measured even in times of crisis, and in these difficult times Israel is reaching out and expressing solidarity with the Turkish people," Cohen stressed, referring to the aid the Jewish state has provided since last week's devastating earthquake that has already left some 35,000 dead in Turkey and northern Syria. 

Israel sent 150 rescuers and 230 medical professionals to the worst-hit Turkish cities, who saved 19 people from the rubble. It also sent 60 tonnes of rescue equipment and humanitarian aid. 

In addition, Cohen stressed after the meeting with Erdogan that "relations between Israel and Turkey are important for the stability of the region" and urged continued efforts to strengthen them further. Israel and Turkey fully resumed diplomatic relations in August, after two years of slow reconciliation that culminated in the return of ambassadors. 

This morning, Cohen met with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut Çavusoglu, who noted that relations between the two countries "have entered a new era". The minister also thanked Israel today for being one of the quickest countries to send aid. After today's meetings in Ankara, the Israeli foreign minister is scheduled to travel to the province of Kahramanmaras, one of the 10 provinces hit by the earthquakes, where he will visit the field hospital set up by Israeli teams.