US' envoy to UN welcomes Turkish, Israel presidents' meeting in Ankara

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US' Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Tuesday welcomed a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli President Isaac Herzog that took place in Ankara on March 9.

Speaking at a UN Security Council session on the situation in the Middle East, Thomas-Greenfield said the US believes that normalization agreements can enhance regional cooperation.

"These visits demonstrate that good-faith engagement can build mutual confidence and create a path toward a greater security and prosperity," she said.

The "historic visit" by the Israeli president aims to revive bilateral political dialogue based on common interests between the two nations, Erdogan said March 9.

Herzog said the aim is to lay foundations for the development of friendly relations between Turkiye, Israel and the peoples of the two countries.

Turning to the Palestinian issue, the US envoy said normalization is not a substitute for serious engagement between the Israelis and Palestinians.

"That is why the Biden Administration has made a point of intensifying dialogue with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders," she said. "We encourage all those who look for peace in the Middle East to commit to constructive acts that help Palestinians and Israelis coexist and prosper.”

Thomas-Greenfield noted that the Ramadan, Passover and Easter holidays are approaching, saying "we must aspire to peace, recognizing the heightened religious sensitivities during this time.

"All sides must refrain from unilateral actions that exacerbate tensions and undercut efforts to advance a negotiated two-state solution," she added.