Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Turkey's President Erdogan in Abu Dhabi

The two leaders herald start of a new phase in relations between the nations

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed and Mr Erdogan pictured at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed, Mr Erdogan, and an official, tour Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

The Turkish president is in the UAE on his first official visit to the Emirates in almost a decade. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, hosts an official reception for Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. All photos: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, left, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attend the reception for the official visit of Mr Erdogan.

President Erdogan attends the reception at the palace in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed meets Mr Erdogan at Qasr Al Watan. With them is Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, UAE National Security Adviser, right

Sheikh Mohamed hosts the official reception to welcome Mr Erdogan to the Emirates.

Sheikh Mohamed receives Mr Erdogan on his arrival at the Presidential Airport.

Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems during the official reception in Abu Dhabi.

President Erdogan signs the guest book at Qasr Al Watan as Sheikh Mohamed looks on.

Members of the UAE Armed Forces Cavalry Division take part in the welcoming ceremony.

Sheikh Mohamed greets President Erdogan at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Traditional dancers welcome the Turkish president on his first visit to the Emirates in nine years.

Al Forsan aerobatic team mark the visit with a colourful flypast.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Erdogan are greeted by a military guard of honour.

Sheikh Mohamed and the Turkish president stand for their countries' national anthems.

Mounted cavalry riders escort the motorcade of the Turkish president.

Traditional dancers perform during the official reception at Qasr Al Watan.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, heralded the start of a "prosperous new phase" of co-operation with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his first official visit to the Emirates in almost a decade.

Sheikh Mohamed revealed plans to double trade between the countries in the future.

The two leaders reviewed ties between the nations during high-level talks at Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, on Monday.

Several agreements aimed at bolstering links were signed during the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.

In the palace's main hall, a guard of honour was given to the visiting dignitary as a military band played the national anthems of both nations.

Sheikh Mohamed said the visit would help to further strengthen the partnership between the countries to the benefit of both.

Sheikh Mohamed extended the greetings of President Sheikh Khalifa to Mr Erdogan and wished for the progress and prosperity of his country and its people.

The two men explored alliances in a number of fields, from investment and economic development to space projects, renewable energy and health and food security.

They exchanged views on a number of issues across the region, with both stressing the need to work together to support stability and security.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked Turkey for its condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks on civilian sites in the UAE by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said agreements made during his visit to Turkey in November had provided a platform for economic and trade partnerships between the countries.

During that visit, the UAE announced it was setting up a $10 billion investment fund in Turkey.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE "welcomes every step" on the road to co-operation, understanding and peace in the region.

He stated the desire of the country's leadership to work with Turkey to face common challenges through dialogue, consultation and diplomatic means.

On Tuesday, Mr Erdogan is expected to visit Expo 2020 Dubai for Turkey's national day of celebrations.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa, earlier said Mr Erdogan's visit to the UAE "opens a new positive page in the bilateral relations between the two countries, and is in line with the UAE's direction towards strengthening bridges of communication and co-operation aimed at stability and prosperity in the region".

President Erdogan arrives in UAE - in pictures