This handout photo released on Oct 27, 2022 by the Press Office of the Ministry of National Defense shows Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz (left) and Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar shaking hands during a press conference after their meeting at the ministry of Turkish National Defense in Ankara, on Oct 27, 2022. (PRESS OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE / AFP)
ANKARA – Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and his visiting Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz vowed to enhance bilateral security and defense cooperation on Thursday.
ALSO READ: Turkey releases jailed Israeli couple accused of espionage
"In particular, we exchanged information and views on what can be done in terms of further development of stability, cooperation and security in our region," Akar told a joint press conference after his meeting with Gantz in capital Ankara.
"In particular, we exchanged information and views on what can be done in terms of further development of stability, cooperation and security in our region," Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told a joint press conference after his meeting with his visiting Israeli counterpart Benny Gantz in capital Ankara
The two defense chiefs believed that increasing communication and cooperation will help resolve disagreements between the two regional countries on certain issues, particularly the Palestine one, Akar said, adding he and Gantz agreed to "improve our relations on these issues by taking advantage of our existing experiences."
ALSO READ: Israel's Lapid to visit Turkey amid fears of Iran's attacks
Gantz, for his part, said the two countries must keep an open dialogue to sustain a consistent and positive approach to each other.
Gantz will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later in the day.
This is the first meeting between the two countries' defense ministers since 2010 after years of strain in bilateral ties. Gantz's visit also indicated a possible resumption of defense ties between Israel and Türkiye, after the two countries decided to reappoint ambassadors to each other in August.
READ MORE: Turkey and Israel 'want to improve ties after presidents' call'