Erşat Hürmüzlü, the chief advisor for Gül on Middle East policy, met with Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz and Interior Minister Prince Naif bin Abdul-Aziz during his visit.
Speaking about his meetings before departing for Turkey on Tuesday, Hürmüzlü said Saudi Arabia’s policy on Syria was praiseworthy. He said the Saudi officials also praised the Turkish stance. “The issue of Syria was discussed during meetings with our friends here. They know Turkey’s stance very well and appreciate it,” he said.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia both insist that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, facing protests against his rule, must leave power. Syria, in response, accuses foreign countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey of helping anti-regime opponents.
“When I was asked [about Syria], I reiterated what our leaders always say: If we have to make a choice between regimes and the people in our region, we will be on the side of the people,” Hürmüzlü said. “The Syrian people’s aspirations for a transparent and democratic government are very important to us.”
