Turkish President Erdoğan visits Saudi Arabia to boost trade, defense, and regional cooperation

2026-02-02 - 09:55

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a significant visit aimed at strengthening strategic ties between the two regional powers. He is scheduled to be officially received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, with both leaders expected to discuss expanding cooperation across energy, defense, trade, and regional diplomacy. Deepening Economic and Trade Links The visit coincides with the Saudi Arabia–Türkiye Business Forum, organized by the Turkish Ministry of Trade and the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK). Bilateral trade, which reached around $8 billion in 2024, continues to grow, with Türkiye exporting grains, carpets, chemicals, and construction materials. Recent Saudi cabinet approvals have paved the way for agreements in renewable energy and civil defense, reflecting a broadening economic partnership. Defense Industry and Strategic Partnerships Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship. Turkish defense firm ASELSAN has established a joint venture with Saudi partners, while Baykar signed a historic export contract in 2023 for its Akıncı armed drones—the largest defense export deal in Turkish history. These collaborations underscore a shared commitment to enhancing military-industrial capabilities and security coordination. Regional Diplomacy and Shared Stances As key Sunni-Muslim powers, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have aligned their positions on several regional issues, including support for a two-state solution for Palestine and coordinated efforts toward stability in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. Following the fall of the Assad regime, both countries have backed Syria’s new administration and advocated for reconstruction. Their coordinated diplomacy has contributed to widespread international recognition of Palestinian statehood and humanitarian engagement in conflict zones. Historical Context and Future Trajectory Diplomatic relations date back to a 1929 friendship treaty, with high-level exchanges accelerating in recent years. The establishment of joint business councils and economic commissions has institutionalized cooperation. With regional stability and economic diversification as mutual priorities, Ankara and Riyadh are poised to further integrate their political, security, and economic strategies in the coming period.