RIYADH, Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (WNP): Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations to new strategic heights, as a wide-ranging joint statement was issued at the conclusion of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to the Kingdom.

The visit, held against the backdrop of long-standing historical, cultural and fraternal ties between the two nations, featured high-level talks between President Erdoğan and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. The Crown Prince conveyed greetings and good wishes from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, while President Erdoğan reciprocated with messages of goodwill for the Saudi leadership and people.

Both leaders reviewed the depth of Saudi–Turkish relations and agreed to further expand cooperation across political, economic, defence, cultural and people-to-people domains. The Turkish side commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating pilgrims, praising close coordination to ensure the comfort of Turkish pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The two sides welcomed the steady growth in bilateral trade and investments, agreeing to strengthen economic cooperation by leveraging the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Century of Türkiye Vision.

Emphasis was placed on expanding non-oil trade, encouraging private-sector engagement, and accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Both countries highlighted the success of the Saudi–Turkish Investment Forum held in Riyadh on February 3, which brought together major companies and showcased opportunities in tourism, construction, ICT, healthcare and life sciences. Saudi investments in Türkiye and the growing role of Turkish companies in Saudi infrastructure, construction and manufacturing projects were also lauded.

In the energy sector, Riyadh and Ankara agreed to enhance cooperation in oil, petrochemicals, renewable energy and electricity interconnection, while exploring opportunities in clean hydrogen, energy storage and grid resilience. Both sides underlined their shared responsibility in ensuring stable global energy markets and committed to joint efforts on energy efficiency and sustainable supply chains.

On climate change, the two countries reaffirmed adherence to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement principles, welcomed Türkiye’s hosting of COP31 in Antalya later this year, and pledged cooperation on circular carbon economy initiatives and emissions management.

Saudi Arabia and Türkiye agreed to activate and expand existing defence cooperation agreements, strengthen collaboration in defence industries, and enhance coordination on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, crime prevention and intelligence sharing. Cooperation was also endorsed in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, digital economy, space technologies, transportation, health, education, media and tourism.

The joint statement underscored close coordination on regional and global challenges. On Palestine, both sides expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, called for unimpeded humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and reiterated support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

The two countries reaffirmed support for Yemen’s unity and legitimate government, Somalia’s sovereignty, Sudan’s stability, and Syria’s territorial integrity, while condemning external violations and calling for political solutions. They also expressed support for a negotiated settlement to the Russia–Ukraine conflict in line with international law.

Several agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed during the visit, covering energy, justice, space, research and innovation.

Both sides emphasized continued coordination through the Saudi–Turkish Coordination Council and cooperation in international forums. Türkiye also expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the G20 Summit in 2030.

At the conclusion of the visit, President Erdoğan expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Saudi leadership and formally invited King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Türkiye. The Crown Prince accepted the invitation, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two brotherly nations.

The visit was widely viewed as a significant step in consolidating a comprehensive Saudi–Turkish partnership, with both sides pledging to work closely for regional stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.