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Turkish PM Yıldırım, Saudi King Salman discuss Jerusalem issue

Saudi King Salman and Turkey's premier on Wednesday discussed boosting ties and the status of Jerusalem, in a first high-level meeting since the US controversially recognised the city as Israel's capital.

Anadolu Agency WORLD
Published December 27,2017
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Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım discussed with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday the Palestinian struggle and its perception in Muslim countries, according to prime ministerial sources.

Yıldırım met Abdulaziz in the Saudi capital Riyadh as part of an official visit to the country.

The two leaders discussed the importance of Jerusalem's status during a one-hour closed-door meeting, said the source who refused to be named due to restriction on speaking to the media.

They also agreed that Muslim countries should take a common stance on the protection of the rights of the Palestinians.

They added that last week's rejection by the UN General Assembly of the U.S. move on Jerusalem sent a strong message by the international community.

Bilateral relations and deep-rooted historical and religious ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia were also discussed during the meeting.

Yıldırım is also scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit in Riyadh.

On Dec. 6, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision -- despite worldwide opposition -- to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate Washington's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Last week, UN General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution with overwhelming majority, rejecting the U.S. move on Jerusalem.