ANKARA (Ruptly) — Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu hosted Venezuelan counterpart Jorge Arreaza for talks in Ankara on Monday. After meeting privately to discuss bilateral relations, the pair held a joint press conference.

The Venezuelan Minister thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government for their support “in times when Venezuela is suffering an economic and political aggression.” He added that the relation between the two nations is ever growing and that “these are the first steps towards a fraternal and productive alliance between our people.”

Mevlut Cavusoglu reiterated Turkey’s support to President Nicolas Maduro and his “legitimate” government.