UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reiterated the UAE's stance, in rejection of the failed coup attempt in Turkey, saying he was pleased to see the Turkish people rallying behind their leadership.

    Speaking at a joint press conference with the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Sunday, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of coordinating with Turkey to resolve the crises in the region, especially in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya.

    He said the recent meeting between the GCC countries and Turkey in Riyadh was a crucial step to strengthen strategic ties, given the growing responsibilities of the two sides in addressing the challenges and facing the region and threatening its security and stability, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

    Sheikh Abdullah also renewed the stand by Turkey and emphasised the need to coordinate efforts to face regional challenges. He also highlighted the importance of the consultations, currently underway between the GCC and Turkey.

    On the commercial relations between the UAE and Turkey, Sheikh Abdullah referred to the huge potentials for increasing trade and joint investments between the two countries.

    Sheikh Abdullah also thanked Turkey for supporting the UAE's right to its island, occupied by Iran, and for backing the Arab Coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen. "Under such challenges, there is a pressing need to develop GCC-Turkish relations. However, opportunities abound in terms of economic and commercial cooperation. I am glad that Turkey and the GCC decided to resume talks on a free-trade agreement," he said. 

    Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his country was looking forward to enhance ties with the UAE in all fields. He also said that the UAE and Turkey share identical views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest, particularly, the situation in Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen.

Source: QNA