Turkey’s normalization with rivals gains momentum: FM

Turkey's attempts to normalize ties with foes will gain momentum through important visits and meetings with Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the Turkish Foreign Minister has reportedly told ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmakers.

Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has been briefing AKP lawmakers about the government's ongoing efforts to mend ties with the countries Turkey's relationship was strained in the past years. These include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt and Armenia.

"We went a long way with the UAE and Saudis. The transfer of Jamal Khashoggi and the activation of the judicial cooperation were in line with the normalization process [with Saudi Arabia]," Çavuşoğlu reportedly told AKP lawmakers.

He referred to a decision by the Justice Ministry to transfer the Khashoggi case to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi dissident journalist was killed on the premises of the General Consulate of Saudi Arabia by a squad comprising senior Saudi security officials. Ties between Ankara and Riyad were seriously hurt due to the incident.

It's expected that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will pay a visit to Saudi Arabia upon the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. There is no yet official confirmation of the visit from either side.

Çavuşoğlu, Akar due in Israel

Another country that Turkey is in talks about normalizing the relations is Israel. "There are important developments in regards to the ties with Israel. We will pay a visit to Israel. Palestine also welcomes the improvement of our ties with Israel," Çavuşoğlu told AKP MPs.

Palestinians believe the improvement of ties between Ankara and Tel Aviv will be in their interest and contribute to the settlement of the Arab...