Turkey, Saudi Arabia show common will to enhance relations: Erdoğan
ANKARA
Turkey and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated common will to develop bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and trust, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on April 30.
Speaking to journalists on the presidential plane returning from Saudi Arabia, Erdoğan said two countries are determined to continue this effort for the common interests and stability of the region.
"I believe my visit will herald a new era in the ties between our two countries. We have demonstrated our common will to enhance ties," he said.
Erdoğan announced that Turkey would support Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh.
Erdoğan also welcomed far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen’s defeat in the French election as a "win", saying that the world suffered because of extremism, local media reported on Saturday.
Le Pen, 53, failed to unseat President Emmanuel Macron last weekend but achieved a historic score of 41.5 percent.
Erdoğan hailed the election result. "To put it correctly, the elimination and defeat of extremist ends in French elections is, in my opinion, a win because whatever we suffer is because of extremism," Erdoğan said.
Erdoğan noted he had hoped Macron would win and praised the French president for leading a "very smart" election strategy, especially during the debate.
"God willing, with the result of this election, our relations will be in a much better position," he added.
