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May 27, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 

Israeli defence minister to visit to Turkey

12 January 2010 / REUTERS WITH TODAY'S ZAMAN, ANKARA
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak will pay a one-day visit to Turkey on Sunday, Turkish and Israeli officials said.

Barak's office said on Tuesday the visit was at the invitation of Turkish President Abdullah Gül.

Muslim but secular Turkey is an important ally of the Jewish state but relations have cooled over strong criticism by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan of Israel's Gaza policies since last year.

In the latest exchange, Israel issued a strong condemnation of Erdoğan on Monday, saying his often fierce public criticism of its policies could undermine relations.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned Israel's ambassador Gabby Levy in response to the Israeli statement, CNN Türk television said.

Last year, NATO member Turkey barred Israel from participating in a NATO war exercise, a decision criticised by Washington. Erdogan said it was a result of public concern about Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Since the 1990s, there has been close military coooperation between Turkey and Israel, including the use of Turkish air space by the Israeli air force for training.

The two countries share intelligence and have strong trade ties, including the sale of strategic military equipment.

 
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