Turkey, Saudi Arabia show common will to enhance ties: President Erdoğan
"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, most clearly and at the highest level," Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said.
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 02:22 | 30 April 2022
- Modified Date: 03:36 | 30 April 2022
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 Erdoğan said Turkey 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, most clearly and at the highest level," he said.
Erdoğan hoped joint bilateral efforts will bring benefits to both countries, and the region.
"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 Erdoğan.
He emphasized that Turkey also attaches great importance to the security and stability of the Gulf region.
Ankara and Riyadh agreed on the need to bring together the business people and investors of the two countries, he added.
Relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia deteriorated in recent years, but both countries are now seeking to revive ties.
'FRIENDS, NOT ENEMIES'
Turkey has also been in negotiations with Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates to normalize relations.
Erdoğan 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 Turkey has decisive role in regional relations with Egypt and Israel, and it will gain nothing by completely cutting ties.
In response to a question on results of the French presidential election, Erdoğan 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.
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