ANKARA — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman emphasized on Tuesday that present day realities have necessitated joint work between Saudi Arabia and Turkey to create an appropriate environment that allows peoples in the countries of the region to realize their aspirations toward achieving security, stability and development.
In an address during his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace in Ankara, the King underscored the keenness of both the countries in finding a just solution to the Palestine issue and ending the Syrian crisis, besides confronting the interventions in the internal affairs of the countries in the region from those who try to expand their influence without least consideration of the (international) norms and conventions.
“At present, the Muslim world is witnessing collective and strategic action through (creation of) alliances to ensure coordination and integration of efforts, and these include the Islamic military alliance to fight terrorism,” the King said, while pointing to the keenness of Erdogan in this regard such that Turkey is one of the first 39 countries that have already joined the alliance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The message sent through the ‘North Thunder’, which was regarded as the largest military exercise to take place in the region, is a message to everyone who may try to undermine our security and stability,” he said.
King Salman also expressed confidence that the discussions with Erdogan would lead to fruitful results to reinforce strategic relations, which will open broad prospects for strengthening political, economic, trade, military and security ties to the benefit of the two countries and their peoples. During the talks, the King and Erdogan reviewed bilateral relations and ways to further bolster them in various fields in a way serving the interests of the two countries and peoples as well as the entire region.
On his part, Erdogan emphasized his keenness on strengthening bilateral relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. He also drew attention to the significance of strategic cooperation between the two countries in achieving the region’s stability. Erdogan underlined the need for further promoting bilateral relations and realizing common interests through consistent meetings between officials of the two countries in the political, economic, commercial, military, social and cultural fields.
Several ministers and other senior officials from both sides also attended the talks.
King Salman also held separate talks with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Meanwhile, members of the media delegation accompanying the King on Tuesday visited the Turkish parliament house. They were received by deputy speaker and other deputies and officials. Davutoglu also addressed the delegation, welcoming them to Turkey.
