Turkey will address the Gaza conflict and its relations with the Arab League during a ministerial meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, marking its first participation in such an event in 13 years, according to a Turkish diplomatic source on Monday.
Turkey, which has strongly criticized Israel's actions against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and has taken steps towards Israel in response to genocide charges at the World Court, has experienced fluctuating ties with the Arab League in recent years. Although it has improved relations with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, Ankara continues to face challenges with other Arab League members, including Syria.
Following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, Turkey joined a joint contact group established at a summit of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to work towards ending the war. Turkish sources indicate that the invitation extended to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan signifies a heightened recognition of Turkey's regional influence and the strengthening of ties with Arab League members. Ankara aims to enhance institutional connections and collaboration with the group.
Turkey's strengthened ties with Arab League members are expected to facilitate solutions to current regional issues and foster future cooperation, according to sources. Negotiations are currently underway between Ankara and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of the year. President Tayyip Erdogan recently called for an alliance of Islamic countries to counter what he described as an Israeli "expansionism" threat.
Turkey's last involvement in an Arab League meeting occurred in 2011 when then-Prime Minister Erdogan addressed the group's ministers in Cairo.
