In a move reflecting the depth of Saudi-Turkish relations and the shared desire to enhance regional stability, Riyadh hosted a high-level summit between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This official visit culminated in a joint statement outlining a roadmap for future cooperation between the two countries, focusing on activating defense agreements and expanding economic partnerships to serve the interests of both nations.
Activating defense and security cooperation
Defense and security issues formed a cornerstone of the discussions, with both sides agreeing on the need to activate the defense cooperation agreements signed between the two countries. This step comes at a crucial time, given the security challenges facing the region, which necessitate close coordination among major regional powers. Both sides affirmed their commitment to developing these relations in a way that contributes to achieving security and stability, not only for the two countries but for the entire region, with a focus on combating terrorism and extremism in all its forms and enhancing cybersecurity.
An economic partnership that aligns with Vision 2030
On the economic front, the two leaders commended the strength of trade and investment ties and agreed to align the opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Turkey’s Vision 2030. The visit yielded positive results for the Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum, which saw broad participation from major companies in the construction, tourism, and technology sectors. This economic integration demonstrates both countries’ desire to increase non-oil trade and leverage Turkish expertise in the Kingdom’s massive infrastructure projects.
Coordinating positions on regional issues
Regional and international issues dominated the discussions, with the statement demonstrating a convergence of views on critical matters:
- On the Palestinian issue, both sides stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the occupation, and support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. They also welcomed international efforts and the new peace process.
- The Yemeni file: Riyadh and Ankara affirmed their full support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and rejected any attempts to divide or destabilize Yemen, appreciating the Saudi role in seeking to end the crisis.
- Sudan and Syria: Both sides called for the preservation of Sudan’s unity and legitimate institutions, and welcomed steps aimed at strengthening Syria’s stability and territorial integrity and rejected foreign interference.
Cooperation in the field of energy and climate
In the energy sector, both countries affirmed their commitment to ensuring the stability of global energy markets, while expanding renewable energy projects and electricity interconnection. The Kingdom also welcomed Turkey's hosting of the Climate Change Conference (COP31) in 2026, emphasizing the importance of joint action to address climate change and implement the principles of a circular carbon economy.
The statement concluded with both sides affirming their commitment to continued coordination in international forums, including supporting the Kingdom’s hosting of the G20 summit in 2030, reflecting the political and economic weight that both countries enjoy on the global stage.
