Turkish premier visits Orkhon inscriptions in Mongolia

By Mumin Altas

KHARKHORIN, Mongolia (AA) - Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim on Saturday visited Orkhon valley of Mongolia to see the Orkhon inscriptions, written in the Old Turkic alphabet.

On the second day of his official visit to Mongolia, Yildirim also visited Bilge Khagan Museum in the town of Kharkhorin .

"The protection and passing of these monuments -- that are common values of Turkish and Mongolian history -- to the next generations is essential for the respect of our history and ancestors," Yildirim wrote in the museum's memorial book.

He thanked scientists and officials who are working in coordination with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency to protect the monuments and historical heritage.

Yildirim was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Cavusoglu, Culture and Tourism Minister Numan Kurtulmus and Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan.