Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed bilateral relations with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a phone call, a statement by the Presidential Communications Directorate said Wednesday, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.
The two leaders talked about steps to be taken to enhance ties, and also touched upon regional developments, the statement said.
Erdogan also congratulated MBZ on the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the UAE.
Last week, Erdogan hosted MBZ as the two countries seek to repair their relations and increase economic cooperation.
The visit by the crown prince, seen as the de facto leader and the force behind the UAE’s foreign policy posture, was his first official trip to Turkey since 2012, and the highest-level visit by an Emirati official since relations hit a low as the countries have battled for regional influence and backed opposing sides in conflicts. The crown prince’s brother, the UAE national security adviser Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Turkey in August as the first major step toward mending strained ties.
Turkish officials described MBZ's visit as the "beginning of a new era" following years of hostility after Ankara blamed the UAE for financing the 2016 coup plotters in Turkey and undermining Turkish interests in Libya.
Erdogan plans to visit the UAE in February to further enhance relations.