Riyadh (UNA/SPA) – A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the visit of the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to the Kingdom. The text is as follows:
Based on the fraternal ties, distinguished relations, and deep-rooted historical bonds that unite the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkey and their brotherly peoples, the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 15/8/1447 AH, corresponding to 3/2/2026 AD.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met with His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey, at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. His Royal Highness conveyed to His Excellency the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his wishes for His Excellency's continued health and well-being, and for the Republic of Turkey and its brotherly people further progress and prosperity. His Excellency asked His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to convey his greetings and sincere wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for continued health and well-being, and for the brotherly Saudi people continued growth and prosperity. They held an official meeting during which they reviewed the historical relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to develop them in all fields.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Turkish side appreciated the efforts made by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, praising the level of coordination between the two countries to achieve the comfort of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors from the Republic of Türkiye.
Both sides praised the positive results achieved by the visit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister to the Republic of Turkey during the period 23/11/1443 AH corresponding to 22/6/2022 AD, and the visit of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 29/12/1444 AH corresponding to 17/7/2023 AD, which contributed to expanding the scope of cooperation and developing relations between the two countries.
In the economic, trade, and investment spheres, both sides commended the strength of the economic ties between the two countries and agreed on the importance of enhancing them, particularly in sectors of shared priority. They also agreed to capitalize on the investment opportunities offered by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Turkey's Vision 2030, for the mutual benefit of both economies. They praised the level of trade exchange and stressed the importance of continued joint efforts to increase the volume of non-oil trade, intensify reciprocal visits between officials in the public and private sectors, and hold trade events in both countries through the Saudi-Turkish Business Council. They emphasized the importance of finalizing negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Republic of Turkey.
Both sides commended the level of mutual investments, including Saudi investments in the Republic of Turkey in the finance, insurance, renewable energy, real estate, manufacturing, and services sectors, as well as the vital role of Turkish companies operating in the Kingdom across various sectors, including engineering, construction, real estate development, and manufacturing. The Saudi side praised the projects implemented by Turkish construction and consulting firms in the Kingdom. Both sides expressed their readiness to enhance cooperation to implement further infrastructure projects within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Both sides praised the positive results of the Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum held in Riyadh on 8/15/1447 AH corresponding to 2/3/2026 AD, which witnessed broad participation from major companies in both countries, to present promising investment opportunities and exchange experiences in various fields, including tourism and hospitality, construction, communications and information technology, life sciences and healthcare.
In the energy sector, both sides emphasized their crucial role in contributing to energy security for the region and global markets. The Turkish side commended the Kingdom's leading role in enhancing the reliability and stability of global oil markets, serving the interests of both producers and consumers and supporting global economic growth. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the supply of oil, petroleum products, and petrochemicals, and to work together to capitalize on investment opportunities in petrochemicals and agricultural nutrients, as well as to collaborate on innovative uses of hydrocarbons.
Both sides affirmed their desire to enhance cooperation in the fields of electricity and renewable energy, leveraging their extensive experience in integrating renewable energy and the significant investments made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the energy sector. They expressed their commitment to expediting feasibility studies for electrical interconnection between the two countries, exchanging expertise in electricity and renewable energy technologies, grid automation, grid security and resilience, renewable energy projects and their connection to the grid, energy storage technologies, and promoting the participation of companies from both sides in implementing these projects. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in energy efficiency and conservation, raising awareness of its importance, and exchanging expertise in the energy services sector and developing capabilities in this field.
Both sides welcomed exploring avenues for cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen, developing technologies related to its transport and storage, and exchanging expertise and experiences to implement best practices in this area. They agreed on the need to strengthen their cooperation in developing and sustaining energy supply chains, and to enable collaboration between companies in both countries to leverage local resources, thereby contributing to more flexible and efficient energy supplies.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources, and stressed the importance of international cooperation and joint projects in the field of critical minerals, to ensure the security of supply chains necessary for global energy transitions.
Regarding climate change issues, both sides emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) and the Paris Agreement, and the necessity of developing and implementing climate agreements that focus on emissions rather than sources. The Saudi side welcomed the Republic of Turkey's presidency and hosting of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya in November 2026, within the framework of international efforts to address climate change. The Turkish side commended the Kingdom's approach and efforts in the field of climate change. Both sides stressed the importance of joint cooperation in developing circular carbon economy applications by promoting policies that utilize the circular carbon economy as a tool for managing emissions and achieving climate change goals, as well as other mitigation methods.
Both sides commended the level of coordination and cooperation within the framework of the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council, aimed at achieving shared interests and propelling them to new heights across all sectors. They emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership in the following areas: (1) Digital economy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and space technologies; (2) Transportation, logistics, and civil aviation; (3) Justice and the judiciary; (4) Culture; (5) Tourism; (6) Sports and youth; (7) Scientific and educational cooperation; (8) Media; (9) Environment, water, agriculture, and food security; (10) Customs; (11) Health; and (12) Military industries.
Both sides emphasized the importance of financing development projects and continuing cooperation between the two countries in international forums and organizations, as well as multilateral financial and economic institutions. The Turkish side affirmed its support for the Kingdom's bid to host the G20 Summit in 2030.
On the defense and security front, both sides agreed on the need to activate the agreements signed between the two countries in the areas of defense cooperation. They affirmed their desire to strengthen and develop their defense relations in a way that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to achieving security and stability in the region, including through multilateral cooperation platforms. They emphasized the importance of enhancing existing security cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest, including combating crime in all its forms, combating terrorism, extremism, and their financing, exchanging expertise and training, and strengthening cooperation in the field of cybersecurity in a way that serves the interests of both countries and their national security.
Both sides welcomed the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding during this visit in a number of fields including energy, justice, space, research, development and innovation.
On the international front, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and intensified efforts to maintain international peace and security. They exchanged views on issues of mutual concern at the regional and international levels, expressing their concern regarding conflicts, tensions, and the risk of their escalation in the region. They emphasized their determination to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination in addressing these issues. They also stressed the importance of regional cooperation and initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability, peace, and prosperity.
Regarding the latest developments in Palestine, both sides expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing Israeli aggression, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid and border crossings. They stressed the importance of intensifying relief efforts in Gaza and pushing for the unimpeded opening of all crossings to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Strip. They also emphasized the need for the international community to pressure the Israeli occupation authorities to guarantee the protection of civilians, refrain from targeting vital infrastructure, and adhere to international law and international humanitarian law. Furthermore, they stressed the necessity of consolidating the ceasefire, ending the occupation of Gaza, and paving the way for the Palestinian National Authority to resume its responsibilities in the Strip, ultimately leading to the end of the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
Both sides welcomed the two countries' joining the Peace Council to support the peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump. They also welcomed the launch of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza and the commencement of the Independent National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip's work, commending the international efforts exerted in this regard. The Saudi side praised the mediation efforts undertaken by the Republic of Turkey, along with the guarantor states of the peace agreement, and the gains achieved. The Turkish side commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's role and its participation in chairing the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, and the resulting successive international recognitions of the State of Palestine.
Both sides reaffirmed the vital role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in defending the Palestinian cause and commended the work of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group on Gaza. They agreed to encourage enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the Republic of Turkey and the League of Arab States.
Both sides reaffirmed the pivotal and important role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in providing basic services to the Palestinian people, expressing their condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces’ demolition of UNRWA buildings in occupied Jerusalem, and their complete rejection of the Israeli occupation authorities’ violations of international norms and laws, calling on the international community to confront these practices and crimes against international relief organizations.
On the Yemeni issue, both sides affirmed their support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by His Excellency the President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen and his government. They stressed the importance of preserving Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and the necessity of confronting any attempts to divide Yemen or support internal entities that seek to undermine its security and stability. The Turkish side expressed its support for the important role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Yemen and its efforts to end the Yemeni crisis, including responding to the request of His Excellency the President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen to host a comprehensive conference in Riyadh for all southern factions, with the aim of resolving the crisis and strengthening national consensus in Yemen.
On the Somali issue, both sides affirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. They rejected the declaration of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the so-called "Somaliland" region, which they consider part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as it legitimizes unilateral separatist actions that violate international law and exacerbate tensions in the region. They also expressed their rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that undermine the unity of Somalia.
On the Sudanese issue, both sides affirmed their firm positions in support of the unity of Sudan and the preservation of its security, stability and sovereignty, and rejected the formation of any illegitimate or parallel entities outside the framework of the legitimate Sudanese state institutions, and the prevention of the flow of illegitimate foreign weapons, and the transformation of Sudan into an arena for conflicts and illegitimate activities, and the necessity of adhering to the protection of civilians and facilitating the access of humanitarian and relief aid to all parts of Sudan, in accordance with (International Humanitarian Law) and (The Jeddah Declaration) signed on May 11, 2023, and stressed the importance of preserving the institutions of the Sudanese state, and launching a political process led by the Sudanese through the establishment of a civilian government that does not include extremist groups and entities that have committed crimes against the Sudanese people.
The Turkish side commended the Kingdom's efforts to achieve peace in Sudan, work to end the war, preserve Sudan's unity, security, and stability, and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. The Saudi side praised the Republic of Turkey's efforts in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Both sides welcomed the Sudanese Armed Forces' decision to extend the opening of the Adré border crossing with Chad and to reopen the airports in Kassala, Dongola, and El Obeid, as well as the Kadugli crossing, for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
On the Syrian issue, both sides commended the Syrian government's efforts and the responsible steps and measures it has taken to preserve Syria's security, stability, and territorial integrity. They also appreciated the efforts of the international community to support the Syrian government and lift the sanctions imposed on it. They expressed their support for the implementation of the ceasefire and integration agreement announced on January 30, 2026, and affirmed their full support for the Syrian government's efforts to promote civil peace, thwart terrorist organizations that threaten the stability of Syria and the entire region, preserve Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people for development and prosperity. They reiterated their condemnation of the repeated violations and transgressions by the Israeli occupation authorities against Syrian territory and sovereignty, which constitute a clear breach of international law, a threat to regional security and stability, and create fertile ground for the growth of violence and extremism. They called for Israel's immediate withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories.
Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, both sides affirmed their support for a comprehensive settlement through negotiations in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, ensuring lasting peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.
At the conclusion of the visit, His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Turkey expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation. His Excellency expressed his anticipation of welcoming the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, on an official visit to the Republic of Turkey at a mutually convenient time. His Royal Highness accepted the invitation and expressed his eagerness to visit the Republic of Turkey, conveying his best wishes for the continued health and well-being of His Excellency and for further progress and prosperity for the brotherly Turkish people.
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