Turkey and Israel Set to Collaborate on Energy Drilling, Announces Erdogan

Turkish President Erdogan announced that Turkey and Israel will soon begin joint energy drilling operations and operate energy transfer networks to Europe through Turkey. The two countries, which have been working to repair strained relations, agreed to increase their trade volume from $9.5 billion to a minimum of $15 billion in the first phase. Erdogan also mentioned discussions on forming a mechanism to enhance cooperation in energy, tourism, and technology. Ties between Turkey and Israel deteriorated after a 2010 raid by Israeli forces on a pro-Palestinian activist ship, but recent visits and diplomatic efforts have helped thaw the relationship.