The Turkish destroyer TCG Kemalreis (F-247) docked this morning (Saturday) in the port of Haifa, as part of a NATO exercise, it was reported in the country’s media.
A Navy ship #Turkey docked this morning at the port of #Haifa as part of a patrol mission in the NATO force area. This is the F-247 TCG Kemalreis frigate that arrived accompanied by the US missile ship. USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98). pic.twitter.com/tOzSUURgxV
— ???????????????????? ???????????????????? (@Mario_Moray) September 3, 2022
The Turkish warship is expected to dock in Israel in the coming days, during which it will “refuel and demonstrate its presence”. The destroyer was escorted by a fleet of ships of the United States Army (“USS Forrest Sherman”). TCG KEMALREİS is currently one of the most modern frigates of the Turkish Navy.
As a reminder, Israel and Turkey decided last month to normalize their relations, following a conversation held by Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. As part of the normalization of relations, the countries will return the ambassadors and consuls general in both countries. Also, Israeli flights to Turkey will resume operations.
On behalf of the Turkish Presidential Palace, it was reported that “President Erdogan expressed his support for the promotion of relations, within the framework agreed upon during President Yitzhak Herzog’s visit to Turkey. Regarding the decision made today to appoint ambassadors, President Erdogan said that these steps will be taken soon. President Erdogan said that he supports the cooperation and dialogue between The two countries are based on mutual respect.”
The US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said that he welcomes the resumption of full relations between Israel and Turkey. Sullivan also added that the resumption of relations is an “important development”.