JEDDAH: The CEO of Elaf Group, Ziyad Ahmed Bin Mahfouz recently met a high profile Turkish delegation headed by Minister of Industry and Trade Nihat Ergun. The delegation's agenda included a meeting with the Elaf Travel and Tourism Group to discuss the joint cooperation and explore the facilities available to Turkish tourists visiting Saudi Arabia for various purposes including Umrah and Haj. Commenting on the visit by the Turkish delegation, Bin Mahfouz said: “We believe this meeting with the Turkish Minister for Industry and Trade will go a long way in further boosting bilateral relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Turkey represents a key market for the Kingdom and for the Elaf Group in particular especially since numerous pilgrims from Turkey come to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Haj. In addition, Turkey is one of the preferred holiday destinations for Saudi families.” Bin Mafhouz also accompanied the visiting delegation on a tour across the Elaf Hotel at the Red Sea and the Red Sea Mall. The delegation expressed their admiration on the idea of operating a hotel within a commercial shopping centre that attracts families and businessmen. Members of Saudi Arabian Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Turkish Parliament held talks in Jeddah. The delegation, headed by Mehmet Ceylan, an MP from the ruling Justice & Development (AK) Party, met Mohammad Ali, the president of Islamic Development Bank, and vice-president Ahmet Tiktik. Later, Turkish MPs had a meeting with almost 50 businessmen. During this meeting, Jeddah Turkish Business Council's head Mehmet Ozturk said that Saudi Arabia was interested in tourism and investments in Turkey. Ceylan said the delegation would meet executives in Riyadh as well.
