Ayalon favors normalization of relations with Turkey

Speaking at the Chatham House in London, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon said that he wanted his country to normalize its relations with Turkey. Ayalon added that provocative statements should be avoided and the Blue Marmara issue should be concluded and closed. In reply to questions about Turkey, Ayalon said that Turkey was an indispensable country in the region and that Israel expected Turkey to act in line with this special status. "Our bilateral trade relations increased by 33 percent last year, which shows that people from the two countries are willing to establish cooperation in mutual interest and harmony," Ayalon said.