Israel, Turkey declare peace, end 6-year snit to forge energy deal

Time:2016-06-29 Browse:152 Author:RISINGSUN
TURKEY and Israel have ended six years of estrangement to forge an energy deal after a deadly clash at sea between Israeli commandos and pro-Palestinian Turks, Bloomberg reports.

The deal, confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Rome, paves the way for multi-billion dollar natural gas contracts as Israel seeks to export fuel from its largest field and Turkey looks to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas. 

Restoration of ties also gives both countries wider regional support as they face international criticism over controversial domestic policies," said the report.

This deal has "immense implications for the Israeli economy," said Mr Netanyahu at a press briefing in Rome with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said "normalising regional ties are to the benefit of both the Turkish and Israeli people" and that ambassadors will be reappointed.