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Erdogan's Saudi dilemma

Experts say Ankara will maintain cordial, if not warm, ties with Riyadh, disregarding deep differences over Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal (L) meets with Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara March 17, 2011. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS ROYALS) - RTR2K0M9
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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.

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