Erdogan, Saudi king discuss improving ties amid G20 summit

Istanbul, Nov. 21, (dpa/GNA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi King Salman have agreed to improve ties and resolve lingering disputes between the two countries in a phone call, the Turkish presidency said Saturday.

The two leaders also discussed the G20 summit this weekend, which is taking place remotely and being hosted by Riyadh, the statement said.

“President Erdogan and King Salman agreed on keeping channels of dialogue open in order for the bilateral relations to be enhanced and for issues to be settled,” it said.

Ankara and Riyadh have been at odds over a number of issues, including policies in the Libyan and Syrian conflicts. The 2018 murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul inflamed the tensions.

Turkish officials claim Khashoggi was murdered by a Saudi hit squad.

A trial resumes on November 24 in Turkey against key Saudi officials, including those close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

GNA