Israel’s Deputy PM Silvan Shalom stated that good relations between Israel and Turkey are important for the two peoples and the region alike.  

In an interview with the Anadolu News Agency of Turkey, Shalom recalled that his country has diplomatic relations with Turkey ever since 1951.

“We have had very good relations with Turkey for long years, but the attitude toward Israel has changed in Turkey at present. If you were to ask me what is needed to improve the relations again, I will respond with the American saying: It takes two to tango. There certainly is a need for Turkey to take steps in this context. The good relations between both countries are important for the two peoples and the regional stability alike.”          

And in response to the observation that Turkey still waits for an apology from Israel with respect to the Mavi Marmara incident, the Israeli Deputy PM said they had announced, more than a thousand times, that they wish to have good relations with Turkey. “If Turkey makes its own demand, we cannot find progress in this matter,” he argued.