Turkish President Erdogan Continues Saudi Visit

Turkish President Recep Erdogan is continuing his visit to Saudi Arabia today.

• It is the first state visit from the Turkish President since the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 and demonstrates a considerable warming of relations between the two regional powers.
• Erdogan said he hoped 'to launch a new era in bilateral ties.' He continued: 'We believe enhancing cooperation in areas including defence and finance is in our mutual interest.'
• The visit may be a cause of concern for NATO following an increase in tensions between Ankara and Athens yesterday.
• Following a dispute over airspace violations, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg: 'I made it clear to the secretary-general that this type of behaviour by a NATO ally is unacceptable... It undermines European security as well as the unity of NATO at a time when ...it is indispensable for all of us to remain united as we face the continued aggression of Russia in Ukraine.'
• Turkey has also suggested that they are willing to go ahead with the planned purchase of a second S-400 missile system from Russia, a move that the US has attempted to block.