Turkish president arrives in Jeddah on first stop of Gulf tour

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on Sunday on the first stop of his Gulf tour that will also include Kuwait and Qatar.

The Turkish leader was greeted by Saudi officials at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and is scheduled to meet with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his stay.

Ahead of his two-day visit, Erdogan said Muslims need cooperation and solidarity rather than division.

As an ally of Qatar, Erdogan praised Doha's efforts to solve the Gulf diplomatic crisis through dialogue.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties and imposed sanctions on Qatar on June 5th, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

Doha has denied the allegations.

Erdogan said no one gains from prolonging the stand-off between Qatar and the four countries boycotting it.

He accused enemies of seeking to fire up tensions in the region.

"Political problems are temporary, whereas economic ties are permanent and I expect the investors from Gulf countries to choose long-term ties,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan leaves for Kuwait later on Sunday.