, ANKARA, Turkey, Oct. 3 (UPI) — Israel hopes to bolster defense ties with Turkey during the IDEF-2003 military exhibition that opened Tuesday in Ankara, says a report.
The report by Middle East Newsline said more than a dozen Israeli companies have been displaying their wares at the show. It said the exhibition has been accompanied by talks between senior Israeli and Turkish defense officials as well as executives from both countries.
Quoting industry sources, the report said the Israeli delegation pressed Turkey to announce several projects at IDEF and complete negotiations on other projects. The sources said Israel has been marketing equipment and technology for counter-insurgency operations.
Israel has sought to revive defense relations that were said to have faded since November 2002 when a pro-Islamic party won parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has maintained defense projects with Israel but refused to sign new contracts.
