Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday criticized U.S. President Barack Obama for his silence following the killings of three young Muslims in North Carolina this week.

Speaking alongside Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto during a state visit, Erdogan said Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry 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 towards you," Erdogan said, condemning those responsible for the shootings.