Israeli President Herzog extends get well soon wishes to Erdoğan
Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivers a speech at Al Wasl Dome during the EXPO 2020 Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 31, 2022. (EPA File Photo)


Israeli President Isaac Herzog called President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday to wish him and first lady Emine Erdoğan a speedy recovery after they tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a statement by the presidency, Erdoğan thanked Herzog and the two leaders discussed holding a meeting soon.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and Russian President Vladimir Putin also called Erdoğan to extend get well soon wishes, the presidency said.

Erdoğan said Sunday that both he and the first lady are experiencing no negative effects after testing positive for COVID-19, adding that they are continuing their work in isolation at their Istanbul home.

In January Erdoğan said the Israeli president would pay an official visit to Turkey in February.

Ties between Turkey and Israel froze over after the death of 10 civilians in an Israeli raid on a Turkish flotilla carrying aid for the Gaza Strip in 2010.

In recent months, however, the two countries have been working on a rapprochement, with Erdoğan, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, holding telephone talks with Herzog and other Israeli leaders.