A delegation of Turkish diplomats visited the Knesset Tuesday, bearing a message of reconciliation after recent tensions between Turkey and Israel.
The group was hosted by MK Robert Tiviaev (Kadima), chairman of the Israel-Turkey Friendship Association. Melek Sina Baydur, who led the group, said during the meeting that: “We came here with a message of friendship. In a relationship between friends there are always ups and downs, and we need to overcome the downs. Israel has made friends on all levels of the Turkish foreign ministry and there are also many friends in the Turkish parliament's Association for Friendship with Israel.”
Tiviaev welcomed the diplomats, stating that their visit helped strengthen ties between the two countries. “We see the great importance of the relationship between Israel and Turkey, that can and needs to be a bridge between Israel and the Muslim world. Although the relationship is not currently at its peak, I believe that we can quickly return to the good relationship that existed between the countries not too long ago,” he said.
“It’s important that we renew the dialogue between Ankara and Jerusalem. However, Israel cannot be silent in the face of wild slurs lacking a factual basis,” Tiviaev added.
Tensions between Israel and Turkey have risen since Operation Cast Lead last December. In October, Turkey barred Israel from a NATO military exercise on its territory, leading to the drill's cancellation.