Israel says to restore full diplomatic relations with Turkey

JERUSALEM, Aug 17 (Reuters) – Israel and Turkey have decided to restore full diplomatic ties and will return ambassadors to each other’s country following a steady improvement in relations, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s office said on Wednesday.

“Upgrading relations will contribute to deepening ties between the two peoples, expanding economic, trade, and cultural ties, and strengthening regional stability,” the statement said.

Turkey and Israel will mutually re-appoint ambassadors, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday, marking a milestone in the two countries’ efforts to normalise ties.

“Appointment of ambassadors was one of the steps for the normalisation of ties. Such a positive step came from Israel as a result of these efforts, and as Turkey, we also decided to appoint an ambassador to Israel, to Tel Aviv,” Cavusoglu said.

“We are beginning the process to determine who will be appointed,” he added, speaking at a press conference in Ankara.

(Reporting by Ece Toksabay; editing by Ali Kucukgocmen)