In a bIlateral meeting yesterday between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in Ankara, Turkish-Saudi relations and regional issues were discussed.Meanwhile, cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia to cope with terrorism and increase welfare in the region were stressed at a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef in Ankara late Thursday.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday hosted the Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in Ankara and held a bilateral meeting.

Welcoming the Saudi prince at the Presidential Palace, Erdoğan hosted a lunch for Al Saud as well. In the bilateral meeting, Erdoğan and al-Saud discussed regional issues and Turkish-Saudi relations.

Relations between the two countries have been strengthened through visits by leaders of the respective countries. Al-Saud's visit is the sixth visit between the two countries. Saudi Arabia was also among the countries that firmly stood by Turkey after the July 15 coup attempt.

The two countries cooperate in military activities as well. Alone in 2016, Turkish and Saudi militaries carried out four military drills.

Economically, Turkish-Saudi trade volume has reached up to $8 billion.

Meanwhile, the need to enhance cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia to cope with terrorism and increase welfare in the region was stressed at a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef in Ankara late Thursday.

Prime Ministry sources told Anadolu Agency that the two leaders held bilateral talks and a meeting with delegations.

Yıldırım stressed the friendly ties between the two nations, stemming from a common history and culture, and added that he was very happy to host Prince Nayef.

The relations between the two countries will become more institutionalized with the "Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council" chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries, Yıldırım said. He noted that efforts are continuing to heighten the cooperation between the two in their common values and interests, a goal that was pledged by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi King Salman during the latter's visit to Ankara in April.

Nayef pointed to the key importance of cooperation between the two nations on issues such as regional security, welfare, and stability.