Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday as the countries pivot toward economic cooperation with a flurry of agreements during his first visit to the Gulf state since 2013.
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Emirati states news agency reported that 13 agreements were signed during, including on trade, industry, health and medical sciences, land and sea transportation and climate action.
Turkish news agency Anadolu said an agreement on defense was signed.
Erdogan met UAE de facto ruler Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who visited Ankara last November when investment accords worth billions of dollars were signed. read more
"During this visit, we aim to develop the momentum we have captured with the United Arab Emirates and to take the necessary steps for ties to go back to the level they deserve," Erdogan told reporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport before he departed.
"The dialogue and cooperation of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates carries great importance for the peace and stability of our entire region," he added.
The UAE and Turkey signed a joint statement on starting negotiations for a bilateral trade and investment deal, known as a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), WAM said.
