Turkey can use Olmert visit to enhance case for EU entry
Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert arrived in Ankara, Turkey on Wednesday to meet with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries.
The meeting underlines Turkey's close ties with non-Muslim nations as well as the political stability of the country.
Strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries will be one of the focuses of the two day trip as will addressing the ongoing dispute between Israel and Palestine.
If Turkey can show that international relations discussions are progressive and positive it would promote the country as an important bridge between the West and other Muslim countries.
This is turn could help Turkey's cause for joining the European Union, membership of which would offer significant economic advantages to the state.
The UK is known to favour Turkey's accession to the bloc, with prime minister Tony Blair asserting last year it would be "good for us all".
Turkey enhanced its reputation internationally at the end of 2006 when a potentially inflammatory visit by the Pope was conducted successfully.
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