The Turkish ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yunus Demirer described Riyadh’s influence on shaping policies that affect societies in the region as “strong”. He also alluded to Saudi Arabia’s great efforts in fighting terrorism, extremism and extremist organisations like ISIS.

Demirer told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted the need to proceed with strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries in all political and economic spheres during Erdogan’s latest phone call with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

He added that the two leaders discussed the latest developments in bilateral relations and issues of common concern. They also stressed the importance of overcoming stagnation with regards to the region’s issues, particularly the Syrian issue, and ways to advance the sovereignty of the international community in the framework of a political solution to the Syrian crisis according to UN resolutions and the Security Council .

The Turkish ambassador believes that the bilateral meetings between the leaders of the two countries display the depth and specialness of the relationship between Riyadh and Ankara. He also highlighted the existence of common ground and agreement on visions and ideas regarding all pressing issues that are crucial to the security and stability of the region.