Israel and Turkey have maintained diplomatic relations since 1950. Turkey was the first Muslim nation to recognize Israel, the second was Iran. There were, over the years, ups and downs in their relations, but after the Madrid Conference and the signing of the Declaration of Principles, relations warmed again considerably. The experience of the 1991 Gulf War also brought the two countries closer, with the emergence of a common enemy - Iraq. President Weizman visited Turkey in January 1994 and was warmly received. Mr. Peres spent three days in Ankara and met with President Demirel, Prime Minister Ciller, the foreign minister and other ministers. Following is a summary of the visit issued by the Foreign Ministry's spokesman:
"I see a new friendship between Israel and Turkey, which will contribute to peace and to the establishment of a new Middle East," said Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller, summing up her discussion with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.
In the discussion, Ms. Ciller expressed her country's readiness to cooperate with Israel on a number of issues which were discussed with Turkish Foreign Ministry officials. Ms. Ciller welcomed the plans to transfer water from Turkey -and the economic preparations in this context which relate to Turkey - to Israel, the European Community and the Palestinians. Ms. Ciller is seeking to promote the establishment of a free trade zone between Israel and Turkey.
Also discussed were Turkey's willingness to participate in the Temporary International Presence (in Hebron), the establishment of a security zone, convening working groups of the multilateral talks in Turkey, a trade agreement for preventing double taxation, Israel's participation in the South Anatolian Project, and Turkey's decision to eliminate the need for Israelis to acquire visas before visiting Turkey.
At a joint press conference held by foreign ministers Peres and Cetin, Mr. Cetin emphasized Israel's importance to the region. Mr. Peres praised Turkey's role in the region, by virtue of its being a democratic country at the crossroads of continents.
At a meeting between Mr. Peres and Turkish President Suleiman Demirel, the president reiterated his desire to enhance relations between the two countries.