For The First Time Since 2007, Israeli President Finally Sets Foot Again In Ankara

Photo via Twitter @Isaac_Herzog

JAKARTA - A historical meeting begins again. After a cold since 2007, an Israeli head of state has set foot on Ankara's soil again.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog began his series of visits to Turkey since Wednesday, March 9 local time. During his 24 hours there, he will revive Jerusalem-Ankara relations.

"Relations with Turkey have had ups and downs in recent years – we won't agree on everything, but we will try to restart relations," Herzog said in a statement before his departure.

"The relationship between Israel and Turkey is important for Israel, important for Turkey and important for the whole region," he said.

"Hopefully after my visit, a process of deep and serious dialogue with Turkey will begin at various levels, and in the end, we will see progress with positive relations and results," he said, noting that his trip was carried out in full coordination with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

Herzog's trip marks the highest-level visit by an Israeli official since former prime minister Ehud Olmert made the trip in 2008, and is seen as an important step towards reviving relations between the two countries.

And finally, Isaac Herzog met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

"President Herzog's visit will be a turning point in Turkey-Israel relations," Erdogan said at a press conference after the meeting between the two leaders, as reported by the Daily Sabah.

Erdoğan believes that this relationship will have a positive impact on the energy sector. On three terms with Erdoğan, Herzog also recognizes the potential for Turkish-Israeli relations.

"Israel and Turkey can and should have cooperation that can positively affect this entire region that we call home," he said.

Summarized from various sources, relations between the two countries grew colder when 10 Turkish civilians died in an Israeli attack on the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship. This ship is taking part in aid trying to break through the Israeli blockade on Gaza.