Istanbul: Palestinian National Economy Minister Mohammed Al-Amour announced that Palestine has been exempted from Trkiye’s recent trade ban on Israel, a move that has led to an increase in Trkiye’s exports to Palestine. This development follows Trkiye’s decision to halt trade with Israel, which subsequently redirected some of Trkiye’s exports to the Palestinian market. Al-Amour made these statements during the 40th Ministerial Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) held in Istanbul.
According to Anadolu Agency, the minister expressed gratitude towards the Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their sustained support amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Al-Amour emphasized the positive impact of Trkiye’s solidarity on the Palestinian people and acknowledged Trkiye’s efforts to apply international pressure on Israel to cease hostilities.
He explained that the decision to exempt Pale
stine from the trade ban was a strategic move to ensure that the Palestinian market remains supplied with essential Turkish goods. The exemption was requested by the Palestinian authorities to prevent any disruption in trade, especially considering the historical trade relationship between Palestine and Trkiye. Al-Amour highlighted that prior to the ban, many Palestinian imports from Trkiye were facilitated through Israeli traders.
The minister also noted that following discussions with Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, a specific mechanism was agreed upon to regulate the trade process and guarantee that Turkish exports reach only Palestinian markets. This mechanism includes strict procedures and the use of specific export codes to monitor the flow of goods, ensuring that they are not diverted to Israel.
Al-Amour underscored the importance of Trkiye’s basic products for the survival of the Palestinian economy, especially during the current conflict. He also mentioned plans to increase trade and export quot
as between the two nations and expressed optimism about future economic cooperation, including the establishment of the Jenin Industrial Zone, a joint initiative between Trkiye and Palestine.
In conclusion, the minister dismissed any baseless allegations against the Turkish government, stating that such claims only benefit the Israeli government and undermine Palestinian interests. He reiterated the desire to strengthen economic ties with Trkiye and anticipated greater collaboration once the conflict subsides.