Saudi Arabia and Turkiye reaffirm their determination to strengthen defense ties

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and Turkiye reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen and strengthen their defense ties. In a joint statement issued after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the two countries said: “This is in the interests of both countries and will contribute to achieving regional security and stability, including through multilateral cooperation platforms.” Both countries agreed on the need to implement the agreements signed between the two countries in the field of defense cooperation.

During his visit, President Erdogan held extensive talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. The two leaders held official talks to review the historical relationship between the two countries and ways to further strengthen ties in all areas.

In a joint statement, the two countries emphasized the importance of strengthening existing security cooperation and coordination on matters of common interest, including combating all forms of crime, combating extremism and terrorism and their financing, exchanging expertise and training, and strengthening cooperation in the field of cybersecurity in the interests of both countries and national security.

In the economic, trade and investment fields, both sides praised the strength of economic ties between the two countries and agreed to further strengthen their economic ties, especially in areas of mutual priority. The two leaders also agreed to take advantage of the investment opportunities provided by the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Turkiye Vision Century for the mutual benefit of both economies. The two leaders praised the level of trade exchanges and emphasized the importance of continued joint efforts to expand non-oil trade volumes, strengthen mutual visits between public and private stakeholders, and organize trade events in both countries through the Saudi-Turkish Business Council. The two leaders emphasized the importance of finalizing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Turkiye.

Both sides praised the level of mutual investment, including Saudi Arabia’s investment in Turkiye, in the fields of finance, insurance, renewable energy, real estate, manufacturing and services. The two leaders also praised the important role of Turkish companies operating in Saudi Arabia in various fields such as engineering, construction, real estate development and manufacturing. The Saudi side praised the projects carried out in Saudi Arabia by Turkish construction and consulting companies.

Both sides also praised the positive outcome of the Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum held in Riyadh on Tuesday. The forum was widely attended by major companies from both countries. The forum showcased promising investment opportunities and exchange of expertise in a variety of sectors including tourism and hospitality, construction, communications and information technology, life sciences and healthcare.

In the energy sector, both sides emphasized the importance of their respective roles in contributing significantly to the energy supply of the region and the global market. The Turkish side noted that Saudi Arabia plays a leading role in enhancing the reliability and stability of the global oil market and supporting global economic growth in the interests of producers and consumers. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of petroleum, petroleum derivatives and petrochemical supplies, and to cooperate in exploiting investment opportunities in the petrochemical and agricultural nutrients sectors, and in innovative use of hydrocarbons.

Both sides confirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation in the field of electricity and renewable energy, leveraging the two countries’ rich experience in renewable energy integration and Saudi large-scale energy investments. Both sides welcomed to explore cooperation opportunities in the field of clean hydrogen, develop technologies related to its transportation and storage, and exchange expertise and experience to implement clean hydrogen best practices.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in exploration, mining and processing of mineral resources. The two leaders also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and joint ventures in critical minerals to ensure the security of supply chains essential to the global energy transition. Both sides welcomed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding during the visit, covering various areas including energy, justice, space, research and development and innovation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and enhanced efforts to maintain international peace and security. The Leaders exchanged views on matters of common interest at the regional and international levels and emphasized their determination to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination on these issues and their continued support for all efforts aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region and the world.

Both sides held a comprehensive exchange of views on regional development. The two leaders expressed concern about conflicts, tensions and the risk of further escalation in the region, and stressed the importance of regional cooperation. In this regard, the Leaders affirmed their support for collective efforts aimed at ensuring stability, peace and prosperity in the region.

Saudi Arabia and Turkiye expressed deep concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing Israeli aggression, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid and border crossings. Leaders underlined the importance of intensifying relief operations in Gaza and promoting the smooth opening of all borders to ensure the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid across the Strip. He also stressed the need for the international community to put pressure on the Israeli occupation authorities to guarantee the protection of civilians, refrain from attacks on critical infrastructure, and comply with international law and international humanitarian law.

Both sides welcomed their countries to join the peace commission to support peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump. Leaders welcomed the launch of the second phase of the Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza and the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

Both countries affirmed their support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and his government. They stressed the importance of maintaining Yemen’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The leaders stressed the need to confront all attempts to divide Yemen or support domestic organizations that seek to undermine Yemen’s security and stability.

Regarding the Syrian issue, both sides praised the efforts of the Syrian government and the responsible measures and measures taken by it to maintain the security, stability and territorial integrity of Syria.