Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan congratulated Hussein al-Sheikh on Saturday for being appointed as the Palestinian vice president.

According to Anadolu Agency, sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Fidan had a telephone conversation with Sheikh and wished him success in the new role.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, 89, appointed Sheikh as the first-ever vice president on Saturday.

The Palestinian Central Council had agreed to create the new position of vice president during a Thursday meeting, with 170 voting in favor, one against, and one abstaining.