Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman was among the first world leaders to voice support to the legitimately elected government of Turkey in the wake of the coup attempt of July 15, 2016, a top Turkish diplomat said on Sunday.

Commemorating the second anniversary of the success of people's power in suppressing the July 15 coup attempt, Turkey’s Consul General Akif Menevse recalled the Kingdom’s support for his country during the crisis.

Addressing a press conference in Jeddah, Menevse said, “The principled stance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in strongly rejecting any attempt to undermine the constitutional order and legitimacy in Turkey will be forever remembered."

Back home, the Turkish government organized the commemorative event with President Recep Tayyib Erdogan visiting the July 15 Martyr’s Bridge, which was formerly known as Bosphorus Bridge.

Orchestrated by Fetullah Gülen and his group known in official circles as Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), the July 15 assault on the legitimately elected government of Turkey claimed at least 250 lives in addition to more than 2,000 people who were injured.

The Turkish diplomat said Saudi authorities rendered every assistance to Turkish officials ever since and the Saudi nation has shown admirable solidarity with the Turkish people.

He said FETO was attempting to establish schools across the world including in Saudi Arabia that misinterpreted religion. However, Saudi authorities has prevented any such attempt, he said.

While expressing thanks to Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman for standing by Turkey, the consul general hailed the Kingdom’s support for upholding the righteous cause.

He said the failed coup had no impact whatsoever on tourism in the country and more Saudi tourists were visiting Turkey since then.

The consul general said that Turkish Haj and Umrah pilgrims always pray for Saudi Arabia because of its support for the Turkish nation.

Answering a question, he said Saudi businessmen invested $7 billion in Turkey and the bilateral trade crossed $6 billion annually.

Menevse recalled the historic moments on the night of July 16, 2016, that changed the dimension of democracy and people's power in Turkey. A group of soldiers attempted to overthrow the government of President Erdogan by seizing vital installations. The putschists used military jets, tanks and advanced weapons in their attempt to seize power.

“It was the bloodiest night in the history of modern Turkey. Around 250 people were martyred and more than 2,000 civilians injured. The Turkish people are still trying to overcome the trauma of that day,” the consul general told reporters.

Explaining the presidential form of government in Turkey, Menevse said it would further empower the people while the working relations between the government and parliament would enhance.

M. Mustafa Goksu, senior adviser of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey, also addressed the press conference. An audio-visual exhibition narrating the incident on the night of the failed coup was shown.