Turkiye, Saudi Arabia show common will to enhance ties: Erdogan
ANKARA (AA) – The Turkish president said on Saturday that Ankara and Riyadh have demonstrated a common will to develop bilateral relations at the highest level.
Speaking to journalists on the presidential plane returning from Saudi Arabia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are determined to continue this effort for the common interests and stability of the region.
“I believe my visit will herald a new era in the ties between our two countries. We have demonstrated our common will to enhance ties on the basis of mutual respect and trust,” he said.
On his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Erdogan met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as well as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and discussed various international, regional and bilateral issues.
“We focused on the joint steps we can take to improve our relations in the future … I reiterated our support for the security and stability of Saudi Arabia,” said Erdogan.
He emphasized that Turkiye also attaches great importance to the security and stability of the Gulf region.
Ankara and Riyadh agreed on the need to bring together the businesspeople of the two countries, he added.
The Turkish president announced that Turkiye would support Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh.
Relations between Turkiye and Saudi Arabia deteriorated in recent years, but both countries are now seeking to revive ties.
‘Friends, not enemies’
Turkiye has also been in negotiations with Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations.
Erdogan described the new era as a process of making friends and not enemies, and that ties should be improved with countries with whom “we share the same beliefs and thoughts.”
He said Turkiye will gain nothing by completely cutting ties with Egypt and Israel.
“Turkiye has a policy on Israel, and such a policy is also possible with Egypt,” Erdogan said.
In response to a question on results of the French presidential election, Erdogan said elimination and loss of extremists is a “win for the entire world.” President Emmanuel Macron won a second term, defeating far-right candidate Marine Le Penne in the second round of the vote held on April 24.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
