MEXICO CITY: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday criticized US President Barack Obama for his silence following the killings of three young Muslims in North Carolina this week, in the latest sign relations between the two leaders have become strained.

Speaking alongside Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, Erdogan said the silence of Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry was “telling” and they should take a position following such acts.

“If you stay silent when faced with an incident like this, and don’t make a statement, the world will stay silent toward you,” Erdogan said, condemning those responsible for the crime.

The White House said it would await the results of the police investigation before commenting.