Turkish president hosts UAE counterpart in Ankara, discusses boosting strategic ties

On July 16, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the Presidential Complex in Ankara during his state visit to Türkiye.

A military band performed the national anthems of both countries, accompanied by a 21-gun artillery salute, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

In a symbolic gesture, 16 flags representing the historic Turkic states were displayed outside the complex. Sheikh Mohammed greeted the honour guard in Turkish, saying "Merhaba asker" ("Hello, soldier").

Following the ceremony, President Erdoğan and Sheikh Mohammed proceeded to hold bilateral talks. The two leaders are also set to chair the inaugural session of the High-Level Strategic Council, a newly established platform aimed at deepening cooperation between Türkiye and the UAE.

Later in the evening, President Erdoğan is expected to host an official dinner in honour of the visiting leader.

Several high-ranking Turkish officials, including Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya, Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and Director of the National Intelligence Organisation İbrahim Kalın, attended the welcoming event.

By Aghakazim Guliyev