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New Israeli ambassador arrives in Turkey after six-year break in relations

Published December 1st, 2016 - 03:00 GMT
Israel and Turkey are exchanging ambassadors for the first time in six years. (File photo)
Israel and Turkey are exchanging ambassadors for the first time in six years. (File photo)

Israel’s new ambassador to Turkey arrived in Ankara on Thursday.

After landing at Esenboga Airport, Eitan Naeh referred to Turkish assistance in containing fires in Israel last week and said the countries had a “history of helping each in times of need.”

He added that he was looking forward to his role in Turkey. He previously served with the Israeli embassy in Ankara in the 1990s and returns after a three-year stint as deputy ambassador in London.

The countries renewed ties in June following a six-year split following the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara aid ship in May 2010, when 10 Turkish activists on the Gaza-bound vessel were killed.

In September, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the appointment of a former foreign policy adviser as Turkey’s new ambassador to Israel. Kemal Okem is to assume his duties in Tel Aviv later this month.

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