Türkiye and the Levant

Exports to the European Union, were almost half of Turkey's exports, and surged 33% year-over-year to $93.1 billion, enabling Turkey to post a surplus of around $7.7 billion in trade with the bloc. Germany remained the top market, having received $19.3 billion worth of Turkish products throughout the year, followed by the United States with $14.7 billion and the United Kingdom with $13.7 billion. Sales to all the three markets marked the highest annual figures ever.

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Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday (27 December) that the first meeting of Turkish and Armenian special envoys is expected to be held in Moscow to discuss the way forward in the normalization of relations between the two countries Speaking in a televised press conference, the top Turkish diplomat noted that the meeting's location was in accordance with Armenia's request.

"Armenian-Turkish rapprochement attempts are welcome. Dialogue is better than everlasting antagonism. However, the realistic perception of the situation leads one to inevitably conclude that the process would be very difficult and  will need time", argues Alexander Petrosyan in this op-ed.

The dignified struggle of a Palestinian doctor from Gaza for justice has inspired many but has not found recourse in the Israeli legal system. Izzeldin Abuelaish was seeking an apology and compensation from the Israeli government after his family members were killed by a tank strike in Gaza in 2009. Abuelaish appeal in Israel’s Supreme Court was rejected on Wednesday (24 November).

Iranian foreign ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh in his weekly press conference announced that border issues and management of shared water resources will be on the agenda of the talks with the Turkish side.

The presidents of the United States and Turkey met in Rome on Sunday (31 October), on the margins of the G20 summit which took place in the Italian capital over the weekend. The two countries are important allies in NATO, but differences have marred relations in recent years, particularly as Turkey has pursued a more assertive foreign policy.

Speaking at a press conference after her meeting with Turkish president Recip Tayib Erdogan Mrs Merkel said "Geostrategically, we are attached or dependent on one another; Our peace and security are attached to the other."