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"I am here to clarify cloudy atmosphere with Turkey," Israeli Minister Eliezer
Speaking to reporters prior to a seminar on investment opportunities in Israel at the Swissotel in Istanbul, Eliezer said that he came to Turkey with the representatives of the most important 24 Israeli companies.
"We view Turkey as a partner for exports and imports. I believe that the seminar will help boost relations between our two countries," Eliezer said.
Touching on Syrian-Israeli relations, Eliezer said that Turkey may be helpful in "putting things in order".
"We know that Turkey and Syria have good relations with each other. We are not disturbed by such relations. On the issue of Syria, we would like to see not only Turkey's cooperation but other countries as well," Eliezer stressed.
In regard to Iran's nuclear program, Minister Eliezer said that such a program would pose a danger for the whole world.
"A nuclear Iran would mean a 'different Middle East' and also mean 'losing all balances in the Middle East'," Eliezer said.
"We need to see a Middle East with stability," Eliezer noted.
The trade volume with Turkey, Israel's sixth biggest trade partner, was worth 3.4 billion USD in 2008. The trade volume declined 20-30 percent due to the global financial crisis. Yet we expect the trade volume to go back to normal figures in 2010, Eliezer said.
In a speech delivered at the seminar, Eliezer said that this was not his first visit to Turkey.
"I have been in Turkey many times in the past as part of my duties. Every time I arrived in Turkey, I have brought the appreciation and respect of Israel to the people of Turkey," Eliezer said.
There are many common points between Turkey and Israel. We think that the two countries face danger from similar things. We are here in Turkey to strengthen and deepen our relations, Eliezer said.
"I came to Turkey with the representatives of Israeli companies involved in infrastructure, water and environmental projects," Eliezer said.
"I am here to give the message that Israel wants to clarify the cloudy atmosphere with Turkey. There could be ups and downs in a family but the foundation remains. The foundation of Turkish-Israeli relations is strong," Eliezer said.
"I hope to meet with Turkish leaders and convey the message of my government to the Turkish leaders. I am confident that more visits to Turkey will take place following my current visit. We wish to see Turkish President Abdullah Gul as soon as possible in Israel," Eliezer also said.
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