Israeli envoy hints at 'improvement' for Turkey ties

ANKARA

Israel's charge d'affaires in Turkey hinted at a "possible improvement" in relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv in a farewell letter.

"Our Charge d'Affaires Mr. @RoeyGilad will depart from #Ankara tomorrow. He penned a letter for you before his departure," the Israeli Embassy in Ankara posted on Twitter alongside the letter.

In the letter, Roey Gilad wrote: "Towards the end of 2020, we can see even some signs for a possible improvement in the near future."

Noting that he came to Ankara a year and a half ago, Gilad said his assignment in Turkey would end Thursday on the last day of 2020.

Referring to the long history of Turkey-Israel ties, Gilad said that their relationship had seen its ups and downs.

"Even today, as most of you are aware, they are not at their peak. However, during all these 70 years of diplomatic relations, strong connections were established in trade, economy, culture and many other fields."

"With all the challenges and difficulties, it is safe to say that these relations stand on a solid foundation, at the end of the day," the charge d'affaires added.

*Writing by Handan Kazanci