Crown Prince decorated with Turkey’s Order of the Republic

ANKARA – Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, was honored with the Order of the Republic — the second highest state order in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan decorated the Crown Prince with the honor during a reception hosted by him at the Presidential Palace on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, the Crown Prince conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to Erdogan and the people of Turkey. “I want to deliver you the King’s assertion that the Kingdom is keen on further strengthening the strategic partnership with Turkey in the political, economic, security and military fields. I also thank you for conferring on me the Order of the Republic that I consider as a symbol of friendship and deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries,” he said, adding, “The Kingdom is happy to see that your country has successfully overcome the crisis of the coup attempt, and the Kingdom would stand by Turkey in maintaining its security and stability.” Speaking on the occasion, Erdogan expressed happiness over awarding the order to the Crown Prince, though it is dedicated to heads of state who endeavor to bolster relations among their countries and Turkey. He pointed out that conferring the Order of the Republic reflects the deepness of close relations and ties, binding the two countries. Addressing the Crown Prince, Erdogan said: “You have consolidated the relations which have been built on ancient history and fraternity of the two nations at a time when the region is witnessing tragedies and conflicts. You are actively working to bring about security and peace to the region.” He noted that consolidating bilateral relations between the two countries would open a lot of opportunities in all domains. Erdogan thanked the government of King Salman for standing by the government of Turkey at the time of the failed coup attempt. The Crown Prince also attended a luncheon banquet hosted by Erdogan in honor of him. — SG/SPA