The recent visits by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the UAE and to Saudi Arabia this week are a "positive step" for the region, senior Emirati official Dr Anwar Gargash said on Saturday.
The region will benefit from an approach of "communication and rapprochement", Dr Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, said in a tweet on Saturday after the Turkish president made his first visit to Saudi Arabia in five years.
"The visits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the UAE and sisterly Saudi Arabia, and the adoption of the approach of communication and rapprochement, is a positive step for the benefit of the region as a whole," Dr Gargash said.
Mr Erdogan held talks with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after arriving in Jeddah on Thursday for a two-day visit to the kingdom. He travelled to Makkah on Friday to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan performs the Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah. All photos: AFP -
He was received at the Grand Mosque by officials in the Saudi city. -
Mr Erdogan is making his first trip to the kingdom in five years as he seeks to restore ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. -
His visit comes as the Muslim world prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. -
The Turkish president met King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after arriving in Jeddah. -
He held private meetings with King Salman and the crown prince before attending an official banquet. -
Mr Erdogan performs the Umrah pilgrimage.
The visit followed several years of estrangement between Turkey and Saudi Arabia over several issues.
"We focused on the joint steps we can take to improve our relations in the future," Mr Erdogan said on a flight back to Turkey on Saturday.
"I reiterated our support for the security and stability of Saudi Arabia," Turkey's Anadolu news agency quoted him as saying.
Mr Erdogan made his first official trip to the UAE in 10 years in February, during which he met Emirati leaders including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Mr Erdogan also visited the Turkish pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai site as officials from both sides finalised agreements to enhance trade and co-operation.
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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Erdogan pictured at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Sheikh Mohammed, Mr Erdogan, and an official, tour Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
The Turkish president is in the UAE on his first official visit to the Emirates in almost a decade. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, hosts an official reception for Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, left, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attend the reception for the official visit of Mr Erdogan. -
President Erdogan attends the reception at the palace in Abu Dhabi. -
Sheikh Mohamed meets Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. With them is Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, UAE National Security Adviser, right -
Sheikh Mohamed hosts the official reception to welcome Mr Erdogan to the Emirates. -
Sheikh Mohamed receives Mr Erdogan on his arrival at the Presidential Airport. -
Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems during the official reception in Abu Dhabi. -
President Erdogan signs the guest book at Qasr Al Watan as Sheikh Mohamed looks on. -
Members of the UAE Armed Forces Cavalry Division take part in the welcoming ceremony. -
Sheikh Mohamed greets President Erdogan at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi. -
Traditional dancers welcome the Turkish president on his first visit to the Emirates in nine years. -
Al Forsan aerobatic team mark the visit with a colourful flypast. -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Erdogan are greeted by a military guard of honour. -
Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems. -
Mounted cavalry riders escort the motorcade of the Turkish president. -
Traditional dancers perform during the official reception at Qasr Al Watan.
