The death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia has highlighted the importance Turkey attaches to this key Gulf state despite deep political differences between the two countries over issues such as Egypt and Ankara’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

This importance has not, however, prevented political controversy in Turkey, where many questioned why a day of mourning was declared for the late king when this had not been done for the large number of Turks killed in recent disasters, terrorism attacks, as well as those killed in anti-government protests.

Erdogan who incessantly blasts the West for supporting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is noticeably mute when it comes to criticizing Saudi Arabia, although it backed the Egyptian coup. Erdogan also had to swallow some pride when attending King Abdullah’s funeral last week knowing that Sisi would be there, too.

Although he presents himself as a staunch supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood, and its offshoots like Hamas, Erdogan also refrains from dwelling on the fact that the Saudi regime, together with its regional allies, is determined to crush the Brotherhood and Islamist groups associated with it.