The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz held official talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the second day of his visit to Turkey yesterday. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and international issues.

King Salman said in a speech during the session of talks held at the presidential palace in Ankara that “The reality today requires us to work together to create a suitable environment that will allow the peoples of the countries in the region to achieve their security, stability and development related aspirations”. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques explained that his talks with President Erdogan will lead to results that “consolidate our strategic relationship which will open broad horizons to strengthen our political, economic, trade, military and security ties”.

King Salman emphasised that the Islamic world has witnessed collective and strategic action through the formation of alliances that ensure coordination and the unification of efforts. This includes the Islamic military alliance to fight terrorism. He added that the message imported by “North Thunder”, which is considered to be the largest military exercise in the region, is a message to anyone who tries to violate the security and stability of these countries.

The Turkish president welcomed the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to his country at the beginning of the meeting. President Erdogan also awarded King Salman with the Order of the State of Republic of Turkey which is the highest state order awarded in Turkey.

On his part, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his pride in the honour that Turkey and its leadership bestowed upon him and said that this honour “embodies the depth of the relationship and friendship between the two countries”. He continued by saying that “this great order is not a tribute to me only, but to the Saudi Arabian government and people as well”.

Erdogan stressed his commitment to working together with King Salman in order to develop bilateral relations, and said that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ visit to Turkey “is a strong message that indicates the extent of the strong relations between the two countries and the two fraternal peoples”. President Erdogan praised the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ efforts to strengthen relations between Ankara and Riyadh since ascending the throne and said “My brother King Salman, your wise leadership is a safety valve that ensures stability, prosperity and security in our region which is witnessing major crises”.