Turkish president lauds Peres, ties with Israel

Turkish President Abdullah Gul has praised the efforts of his Israeli counterpart for his efforts to promote peace and to strengthen ties with Turkey.

Speaking at a dinner in Ankara Tuesday night in honour of the visiting Israeli president, Gul said Shimon Peres had always supported Turkey in international affairs.“Peres has received appreciation from regional and international authorities thanks to his knowledge and experience,” said Gul. “We are pleased and honoured to welcome President Peres, a former Nobel Peace Prize winner, in Turkey.”

Gul said the strong friendly ties between Turks and the Jewish people went back centuries.

“The Turkish nation has always assisted the Jews during the latter’s difficult times,” he said. “The Jews have made strong contributions to Turkey in all areas. Today, 100,000 Israelis of Turkish origin and 30,000 Jews living in Turkey make up a bridge between the two countries.”

The Turkish president said it was one of Turkey’s unchangeable priorities in its Middle East policy to see the well being of Israel that lives within recognized boundaries.

“As a country that has suffered due to terrorist activities, Turkey condemns all terrorist acts perpetrated against Israel,” Gul said.

Responding to Gul’s speech, Peres said that he is pleased at the warm welcome he had received in Ankara.

“Turkey is just like a bridge,” he said. “Turkey unites three continents and tries to promote understanding between two religions. Today, Turkey played an important role in bringing together Palestinian leaders and Israeli ones. I see no other country but Turkey that can unite Islam and Christianity.”

Peres said that Israel supported Turkey’s bid to become a member of the European Union and appreciated Ankara’s contributions to the peace process in the Middle East.