Riyadh, Ankara – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz stressed on Thursday that Saudi Arabia was being targeted, but would be capable to protect itself.
“We are being targeted … and we cannot ask them not to target us. However, what is important is to fortify ourselves as much as possible,” the Crown Prince said.
Bin Nayef, who is also the Saudi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was speaking after a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in Ankara.
The Saudi Crown Prince kicked off a two-day visit to Turkey on Thursday.
“Turkey is a brotherly country for us. We always consider seriously that there should be strong and joint work between us because we actually need each other,” bin Nayef said.
From his part, Yildirim said that the Kingdom and Turkey are not just brotherly countries, but they are important countries for the security and stability in the region.
During their meeting, Bin Nayef and Yildirim discussed relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them, in all fields, in addition to regional developments.
Turkish sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Bin Nayef would discuss the Syrian file with the Turkish officials, in addition to the situation in Iraq, Yemen and Libya.
Bin Nayef is expected to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan on Friday.
On Thursday, Turkey and Saudi Arabia also co-signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation, in various fields of labor, development of cooperation through appropriate means according to their discretion, possibilities available, and in accordance with their respective national legislations.
Turkish diplomatic sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the visit of the Saudi Crown Prince to Ankara is considered as a new push in the relations between both countries. The sources asserted that Ankara is keen on enhancing talks with Saudi Arabia, particularly during this sensitive phase through which the region is passing.
“Riyadh and Ankara are considered two efficient members in all regional issues, and that both countries have similar views when dealing with the region’s problems,” the source said.
Saudi and Turkish officials also discussed issues relating to the strengthening of security cooperation between both countries, particularly with regard to the fight against terrorism and response to acts of terrorist organizations and ways to enhance cooperation in this field.
The Crown Prince had earlier met with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and both discussed the latest developments in the region, and the position of the two brotherly countries towards them.
The visit of the Crown Prince was in response to an invitation from Turkish President Erdogan, and as per the directive of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.
Saudi Ambassador to Turkey, Dr. Adil Murad told the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday the visit of Crown Prince comes in the framework of the strong bilateral ties that bind the Kingdom and Turkey.
“The Crown Prince will discuss with the Turkish leaders several key issues pertaining mainly to economy and security, especially combating terrorism,” he said.