Turkiye attends Arab League ministerial for first time in 13 years

Turkiye is set to attend the Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers meeting for the first time in 13 years, following an invitation from the organization.

The 162nd session will take place on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, where Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to deliver remarks in the opening session. His speech will focus on Turkiye-Arab League relations and key regional issues, especially the ongoing war on Gaza.

Turkiye, which has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and backed efforts to bring genocide charges against Israel at the World Court, has had a strained relationship with the Arab League in recent years. However, recent diplomatic moves have seen Ankara improve ties with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, while it remains at odds with other members, including Syria.

Since the start of the Gaza war, Turkiye has been part of a joint contact group formed by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) aimed at ending the conflict.

A Turkish source emphasized that the invitation to Minister Fidan reflects a "growing interest" in Turkiye's regional role and improving ties with Arab League members. Ankara hopes to strengthen institutional ties and foster greater cooperation with the organization.

"Turkey’s engagement with Arab League members can contribute to resolving current regional challenges and promoting future collaboration," the source added.

Meanwhile, Turkiye is also in talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on securing 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 Israel's "expansionist" policies.

The last time Turkiye participated in an Arab League meeting was in 2011 when then-Prime Minister Erdogan addressed the council in Cairo.