IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, has departed for Turkey to take part in a day long international NATO conference concerning terrorism and international cooperation.

In spite of the recent tensions with Turkey Ashkenazi is also scheduled to hold several meetings with his Turkish counterpart, General Ilker Basbug, and with the Turkish Minister of Defense, Mr. Vecdi Gonul. Prior to the meeting, an official ceremony will take place in the Ministry of Defense, welcoming Ashkenazi, and with the participation of a Turkish military honor guard.

The mostly secular Turkish army largely opposes the new pro-Islamic Turkish government.