Turkish chief of staff on 'strategic' visit to Israel this week
ANKARA — Israel and Turkey will continue their strategic dialogue this week which has been stalled since early 2006.
In September, Turkey demanded clarifications of an Israeli air attack on
a suspected nuclear facility in northeastern Syria. Ankara reported that two
fuel tanks from an Israeli F-15I fighter-jet involved in the strike fell
into Turkish territory.
This week's visit to Israel by Turkish Chief of Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit will mark the renewal of the dialogue. Officials said
Buyukanit would focus on defense and strategic issues and discuss new
military deals with Israel, Middle East Newsline reported.
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"This is not a political visit," an official said. "This is about a
long-standing and serious strategic relationship."
Officials said Buyukanit's visit was delayed for months amid political
tensions between Israel and the Islamic government of Prime Minister Recep
Erdogan. In early 2006, Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz visited
Ankara in the last meeting between the military commanders of the two
countries.
Buyukanit would be a guest of Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi
Ashkenazi. Officials said Buyukanit would tour Israeli defense majors that
operate in Turkey.
Officials said Turkey has sought to expand several Israeli-led military
projects. They cited the Israeli upgrade of Turkish M-60A3 main battle tank
as well as the supply of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Israel and Turkey have maintained a schedule of steady military
exercises, including air, ground and naval maneuvers. In August, Israel and
Turkey conducted a joint search and rescue exercise in the eastern
Mediterranean.