Turkey Looks to Strengthen Ties with Arab League Amid Gaza Crisis

Turkey's foreign minister will attend an Arab League meeting in Cairo for the first time in 13 years, focusing on the Gaza war and regional cooperation. This move signals Turkey's aim to mend and strengthen ties with Arab countries and play a larger role in regional affairs.

Turkey will discuss the Gaza war and its relationship with the Arab League as its foreign minister attends a ministerial meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, marking the first such engagement in 13 years according to a Turkish diplomatic source.

Ankara, which has openly condemned Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza and supported measures to hold Israel accountable at the World Court, aims to enhance cooperation with the Arab League. The meeting underscores a 'growing interest' in Turkey's regional influence and improving ties, the source said.

President Tayyip Erdogan has recently called for an alliance of Islamic countries against Israeli 'expansionism,' reflecting Ankara's proactive stance. Turkey also seeks a free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council by the end of the year, signaling deeper economic cooperation in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)