A group of senior officials and experts exchanged their views on Iran and other issues at the forum, while also reaffirming their shared commitment to “a very strong and sustainable strategic partnership between the two nations.”

The event, co-chaired by Nizar Obaid Madani, Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, and Bulent Aras, chief of the Center for Strategic Research at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on Iran's nuclear program, the Middle East peace process, Iraq and Saudi-Turkish ties.

The opening session was conducted by Prince Turki bin Mohammed, deputy minister for political affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The forum was organized by the Riyadh-based Institute of Diplomatic Studies (IDS).

The opening ceremony as well as the three sessions on Tuesday were attended by IDS Director General Abdulkarim Aldekhayel, former Minister of Social Affairs Abdulmohsin Al-Akkas, IDS official Saad Al-Shamlan, director of the IDS’ Center for Strategic Studies Mansour A. Almansour, and deputy chairman of the Turkish center Oguz Ates, along with many other political experts and scholars.

In his opening remarks, Madani said that “the growing relations and the continued bilateral consultations had resulted in identical positions on international issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, Iraq, terrorism and the call to make the Middle East free from weapons of mass destruction.

“We are counting on this forum to support the continued dialogue between the two countries.”

He added that Saudi Arabia was committed to working with Turkey in all fields, leading to a strengthening of ties.

“Saudi-Turkish relations have always been exceptional,” said Aras.

He called on the two countries to develop a strong strategic perspective, not only in the context of shared history, values and beliefs, but also with respect to the issues of common interest.

“Some of the most critical issues of the world that take place in our region, such as Iran, Iraq and Palestine, are examples of areas where we can together develop common strategies in view of common perceptions,” he added.

The Turkish delegation was received by Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman on Tuesday. The three-day forum will conclude Wednesday with a conducted tour that has been organized for the Turkish guests.