Turkish President Erdogan in Venezuela to Meet Maduro, Strengthen Ties

Turkish President Recep Erdogan arrived in Venezuela Sunday night to discuss relations between the two countries and meet with President Nicolas Maduro. On Monday afternoon the Turkish president visited Simon Bolivar's remains at the National Pantheon in Caracas.

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Erdogan, who has come out as a staunch critic of the U.S.’ involvement in the heinous murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is hoping for shared dialogue regarding the actions of the Trump administration.

This is especially significant considering the U.S. sanctions on the South American country, fueled by a desire to possess Venezuelan resources, such as gold reserves.

Erdogan's efforts at closer ties are apparent through the friendly statements he's made on his visit:

Last September, the foreign minister’s of both countries signed an agreement strengthening ties with each other, with Turkish Minister Mevlut Cavasoglu claiming his country “was doing everything in its power to support Venezuela” in the wake of the measures of “isolation” the U.S. were inflicting on Venezuela.

According to the state channel VTV, Erdogan is expected to participate in various protocol events Monday, while the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry tweeted that Erdogan’s visit is to, “strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation.”

Erdogan is accompanied by his wife, Emine.