TURKEY AND SAUDI ARABIA ABOUT TO SIGN AGREEMENT ON MILITARY TRAINING, MINISTER SAYS

ANKARA (A.A) - 24.05.2010 - Turkish Minister of National Defense Vecdi Gonul said Monday that Turkey and Saudi Arabia were in the final stage of efforts to sign an agreement on military training and technical and scientific cooperation.
Minister Gonul received Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia in Ankara on Monday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Khalid bin Sultan, Gonul said that he was pleased to welcome Khalid bin Sultan and an accompanying delegation to Ankara.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia share common history and religion. The two countries got closer to each other in the recent term, Gonul said.
There are highly important developments taking place in the region. Prince Khalid bin Sultan's visit to Ankara is an indication of the importance Saudi Arabia attached to Turkey, Gonul said.
Peace, stability and security in the Middle East are among our priorities in foreign policy. And, these issues directly have an impact on our national security, Gonul said.
We will discuss possible cooperation in the manufacture of defense related products. We will also discuss sharing technology with Saudi Arabia, Gonul said.
We aim at making joint production of weapons that our countries need, Gonul also said.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan, in his part, said that there were strategic ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The beginning of military cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia would be crucial, Khalid bin Sultan stressed.
Turkey is among the most strong countries in the Muslim world. We pay high attention to developing ties with Turkey, Khalid bin Sultan said.
Following the press conference of the two ministers, the delegations of Turkey and Saudi Arabia had a meeting.