PA, Turkey closer than ever
The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi seems to have strengthened Turkey's position in the regional competition with Saudi Arabia.
Relations between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Turkey have been growing significantly, both politically and economically. In recent months, Ankara has become the regional capital that Palestinians visit most — for political or tourism purposes. Recent statements by officials from either side have shown that warmer ties have now replaced cold diplomatic niceties.
Most recently, on Oct. 29, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Turkey, expressing deep appreciation for the brotherly relations between the two peoples.
On Oct. 25, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki paid an official visit to Ankara, met with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and held a press conference on the same day, in which Cavusoglu said, “We always stand by our Palestinian brothers, because Palestine and Jerusalem are a red line that should never be crossed. We will continue to defend them even if the entire world gives up.”
Malki stressed “the importance of Turkish support to Palestine in various fields, because it gives us the strength to deal with all risks, and after the US decision to cut aid for UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] Turkey has worked on helping us fill the gap.”
