Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with an official ceremony in the capital Ankara.

In a joint statement, the leaders stressed the countries' determination to usher in a new era of comprehensive cooperation in many areas.

Ankara and Riyadh decided to deepen consultations and co-operation on regional issues to strengthen stability and peace, the statement said.

The two leaders pledged to develop and maintain co-operation on the basis of the "historical brotherhood" of the two nations for the future of the region.

They also stressed the importance of increasing the number of flights, facilitating bilateral trade, exploring investment opportunities and turning them into concrete partnerships.

Saudi Arabia expressed gratitude for Turkey's support for Riyadh's candidacy to host EXPO 2030, according to the joint statement.

In late April, Erdogan paid a two-day working visit to Saudi Arabia aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

During his visit, Erdogan met with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as the Saudi prince, with whom he discussed various international, regional and bilateral issues.

Returning to Turkey after his visit to Saudi Arabia, Erdogan said Turkey and Saudi Arabia are determined to continue efforts for the common interests and stability of the region.

While negotiating with Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to normalize relations, Erdogan described the effort as a "new era" for a process of making friends, not enemies.

/ AA /