Turkey becomes first state with ambassador recognized by Palestine

RAMALLAH - Anatolia News Agency

Şakir Torunlar. AA Photo

Turkey’s ambassador to Jerusalem, Şakir Torunlar, has presented his credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. Torunlar became the first ambassador to be recognized by Palestine.

Torunlar served as Turkey’s consul general in Jerusalem. The title of Turkey’s consul general was upgraded to “ambassador” after Palestine was given non-member state status in the United Nations.

Ankara recognized Palestine as a state when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) declared itself as such in 1988.