Turkish President Receives Israeli Ambassador for First Time Since 2010

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received first Israeli ambassador for the first time since 2010, according to president's press service.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Israel's Ambassador to Turkey Eitan Naeh presented his credentials to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, becoming the first Israeli ambassador to the country since 2010 diplomatic rift, president's press service said.

"President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Israel's Ambassador Eitan Naeh in his residency," the statement said.

Naeh has already had an experience, concerning relations with Turkey. He served as second and first secretary in the country from 1993 to 1997. Now he will reportedly focus on energy cooperation, regarding the Eastern Mediterranean gas fields.

Turkish-Israeli relations have seriously deteriorated, when 10 activists on a Turkish ship headed to Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid were killed, as a result of Israeli naval forces' attack in September 2010.

In 2016 both countries decided to restore relations and appointed ambassadors, after Israel apologized for the incident, offered $20 million compensation and a permission for Turkey to deliver aid to Gaza.