Turkish premier visits Orkhon inscriptions in Mongolia

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım on Saturday visited Orkhon valley of Mongolia to see the Orkhon inscriptions, written in the Old Turkic alphabet.

On the second day of his official visit to Mongolia, Yıldırım also visited Bilge Khagan Museum in the town of Kharkhorin .

"The protection and passing of these monuments -- that are common values of Turkish and Mongolian history -- to the next generations is essential for the respect of our history and ancestors," Yıldırım wrote in the museum's memorial book.

He thanked scientists and officials who are working in coordination with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency to protect the monuments and historical heritage.

Yıldırım was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Çavuşoğlu, Culture and Tourism Minister Numan Kurtulmuş and Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan.