Story highlights Israel's last ambassador to Turkey was recalled in 2010, and expelled in 2011

Ties between the two nations have been strained since Israel's deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara

"We have a lot of work to do," says new ambassador Eitan Naeh on arrival in Ankara

(CNN) Israel's new ambassador to Turkey -- the first since 2010 -- arrived in Ankara Thursday, marking the full restoration of ties between the two countries after six years of animosity.

Eitan Naeh, who served as a secretary at the embassy in Ankara back in 1993, was appointed ambassador by the Israeli foreign ministry last month. Turkey reciprocated a day later, appointing its own ambassador to Israel -- Kemal Okem.

Upon arrival in the Turkish capital, Naeh told reporters he was "very happy to be back in Turkey as ambassador."

"We have a lot of work to do," said Naeh, whose last diplomatic posting was as deputy ambassador to the UK.

The ambassadors' return is part of a reconciliation deal ending a period of strained relations; both countries recalled their envoys in a spat over a deadly Israeli attack on a Turkish vessel trying to reach the Gaza Strip in 2010.

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