Turkey's new ambassador to Israel, Ahmet Oguz Celikkol, called Thursday to boost ties between the two countries. Celikkol appeared at an event at Bar Ilan University marking 86 years of Turkish independence and told those present that he is committed to increasing understanding between his country and Israel.
Ties between Israel and Turkey have been strained in recent months following harsh public criticism voiced by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials. Erdogan said this week that Turkey plans to continue its ties with Israel.