President Erdoğan asks Muslim states to increase cooperation

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday asked Muslim countries to increase cooperation with each other.

He made the remarks during a visit to Jordanian capital Amman, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the countries. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu.

Speaking during a meeting between delegations from both countries at the Al Hussainiah Palace, Erdoğan said the Islamic world was going through difficult times.

"We, the Islamic world, are living in difficult times. As Muslims, we must maintain solidarity in the region," Erdoğan said.

Earlier on Monday, Erdoğan held one-on-one talks with Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein at his palace in Amman, and discussed the situation in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.

"I know my brother is concerned about Palestine," Erdoğan said, referring to the king.

Jordan is the custodian of the mosque compound in east Jerusalem, the third holiest site for Muslims.

"We will continue to support Jordan's role in preserving Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem," said Erdoğan.

Erdoğan said that Turkey and Jordan would continue to work together to ensure that the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque is not violated.

Last month, Israel imposed fresh security measures at Al-Aqsa following the killing of two police officers at the site. The measures, including metal detectors and cameras, led to renewed violence between Palestinians and security forces and led to outrage across the Muslim world.