Türkiye's interior minister marks Saudi Day at consulate where Khashoggi was murdered

Photo: AA

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Saudi Arabia's consulate in İstanbul organized a reception on Friday (September 23) for the Saudi National Day, marking the 92nd anniversary of the foundation of the kingdom.

Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş and İstanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya also attended the reception at the consulate, where Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered on October 2, 2018.

Speaking at the event, Soylu said relations between Ankara and Riyad have strengthened thanks to the cooperation in many areas such as energy, digital technology, tourism and healthcare.

"We are starting a very powerful journey with Saudi Arabia. This journey is not only about commercial ... power, but also the journey of the right, justice, truth, the oppressed, the aggrieved, and the truth to be told the world," Soylu remarked.

Years of strained bilateral relations following the murder of Khashoggi, Türkiye in early April agreed to transfer the murder case to Saudi Arabia.

Weeks later, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid a visit to King Salman in Jeddah, saying that "a new chapter" will begin in Türkiye-Saudi relations.

In June, the case against 26 defendants was dropped by the court in Türkiye. Later in the month, Erdoğan hosted Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in Ankara. (HA/VK)