Wednesday, 11 January 2023 / 18 Tevet 5783
President Isaac Herzog’s full statement:
“Mr. Ambassador, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, welcome to Israel! İsrai̇l'e hoş geldi̇ni̇z! Today we complete another important step, reaching another milestone in the strengthening of our relations and deepening of the friendship between Türkiye and Israel. As you know, one of the key moments in this relationship was the invitation I received from my friend President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to visit Türkiye, and my historic State Visit to Ankara and Istanbul in March 2022.
“I must tell you, Your Excellency, that I was moved to hear the Israeli national anthem in Ankara, as Israeli flags flew overhead; it symbolized more than anything the tremendous privilege that we, President Erdoğan and I, had in laying new foundations for the important relationship between our countries and our peoples, and in building bridges of good and strong neighborly relations, which are vital for all of us, now and always. I trust that you too, Your Excellency, felt similarly moved when you saw Türkiye’s flag and heard its anthem here, at the President's Residence.
“It is no secret that the State of Israel attaches great importance to our historic relationship with Türkiye, as do I personally. It is a relationship that has known crises in the past but is now, to our delight, on a very encouraging trajectory. Israel and Türkiye can and must cooperate in many fields that will bring progress and growth for both countries and both nations. We must deepen and broaden our collaboration in many diverse fields, including tourism, academia, energy, science, culture, agriculture and so much more, so that they may bring value to our citizens, and no less importantly—to our region.
“President Erdoğan has underscored in the past year, including in conversations with me and publicly, how deeply he recognizes the importance of the partnership between Israel and Türkiye, and I would like to take this opportunity, as President of the State of Israel, to invite President Erdoğan to visit Israel, which I am sure will contribute to deepening the ties and cooperation between our countries.
“I note that Türkiye’s policy and impact is felt, especially in the context of your efforts to solve significant problems relating to the war in Ukraine, exchange of hostages, and the export of wheat to the world.
“Ambassador Torunlar, you are returning to a place that is not foreign to you. A decade after you served your country as its Consul-General in Jerusalem, you are privileged to continue contributing your share to the strengthening of relations and cooperation between our countries. The presentation of your letters of credence a few minutes ago is a direct continuation of an identical occasion in Ankara a few weeks ago, in which Israel’s ambassador to Türkiye, Mrs. Irit Lilian, presented her credentials to President Erdoğan. I am sure that we will all continue strengthening the relations between our countries from a place of mutual respect, hand in hand, for the sake of a better and more promising future for our peoples and our region. My excellent team is at your disposal, for any issue or matter. I wish you success, Your Excellency. Success to us all!”
Photo Haim Zach /GPO
