ANKARA - Turkish National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said Monday, in reference to a question on whether or not Turkey would cancel military agreements signed with Israel earlier, the agreements were under the responsibility of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), even if they were military agreements.
If the topic of Turkish-Israeli military agreements come to the Turkish government, we would debate on them. We have not yet received any request from the MFA on this issue, Gonul stressed.
Three military exercises that were planned with Israel have been cancelled, Gonul said.
Gonul's remarks came while receiving Mali's Defense Minister Natie Plea in Ankara on Monday.
Speaking to reporters while receiving Plea, Minister Gonul said that Plea's visit was the first high level visit to Turkey from Mali.
Mali is a country with deep cultural roots in Africa. It is a big and rich country. Turkey and Mali share historical relations, Gonul said.
Turkey opened her first embassy in Mali in February of 2010. The two countries, in 2000, signed a defense framework agreement, Gonul stressed.
Minister Plea's visit to Turkey will contribute to good relations between our two ministries, Gonul underlined.
Plea, in his part, said that he was pleased to be in Turkey.
I am here to boost our cooperation with Turkey, Plea said.
We are pleased with the hospitality displayed to us in Turkey. I thank you for extending a friendly hand, Plea said.