Turkish ambassador: Ties with Israel important

Following rising tensions between Israel, Turkey, new ambassador Ahmet Oguz Celikkol speaks at Bar Ilan University conference on declaration of republic's 86th anniversary, saying 'Everyone knows how important relationship between Israel and Turkey is'

Daniel Edelson|Published: 10.29.09 , 10:42

Turkey continues to send calming messages to Israel. The new Turkish Ambassador to Israel Ahmet Oguz Celikkol made a statement Thursday for the first time since entering the position this week saying, "I arrived here a few days ago. I am new in this position, but the politics of the region and the Turkish-Israeli relations are not new to me."

In a conference held at Bar Ilan University's Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, he said that he will advocate for improved relations with the media and universities in the country.

"Everyone knows how important the relationship is between Israel and Turkey, but it is also very important to understand Turkey's role in the world and the region," he said.

In his first public appearance in his new role, Celikkol opened his speech by saying "Shalom" at a conference marking the 86th anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic.

"The timing of the conference is very good, I was very happy to learn this morning that Turkey journalists and academics arrive here," he said.

"I can state that the non-government organizations play a central role in the ties between the two countries, and I plan to boost the ties between the media and the universities in the two states. I believe this will help the Turkish and Israel societies understand each other better."

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been under criticism from Israel over his recent change in attitude towards the state.

During his visit in Iran on Wednesday, Erdogan said, "The ties between Israel and Turkey are known to all. We will continue to hold ties with the principle of being fair."

Erdogan also comment on the incident in Davos, Switzerland, where he walked out of a session with Israeli President Shimon Peres over Israel's conduct in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead. He said he had acted spontaneously.

Regarding Turkey's role in mediating between Israel and Syria, he said, "If Syria and Israel want to task Turkey with the mediation mission, we are willing to do it."