Israel’s new ambassador to Turkey arrives in Ankara

By Zuhal Demirci

ANKARA (AA) - Israel’s new ambassador to Turkey arrived in Ankara on Thursday.

After landing at Esenboga Airport, Eitan Na’eh 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.