Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made his first visit to Riyadh in over two years, according to Saudi media reports on Tuesday. The visit signifies a warming of relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with both countries collaborating on various diplomatic matters.
Cooperative efforts between Turkey and Saudi Arabia have included joint support for Gaza and endorsing Syria’s new government post the removal of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Erdogan is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit, marking his first trip to the kingdom since July 2023, which aimed to attract investments in the Gulf region.
While the specific agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed, Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu stated that discussions would focus on enhancing cooperation between the two nations, alongside addressing regional and global developments. Erdogan is expected to travel to Cairo after his visit to Riyadh.
The visit follows recent reports that Turkey will not be part of a defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, despite earlier talks initiated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Relations between Riyadh and Ankara had soured significantly after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, with Turkey pursuing the case vigorously, which had caused tensions between the two nations.
Erdogan’s diplomatic efforts are crucial, especially as he plays a pivotal role in mediating discussions between the United States and Iran, who are set to meet in Turkey on February 6 for potential talks on nuclear agreements. Erdogan’s involvement highlights his role as a key mediator seeking to prevent further escalation between the two historically opposing nations.
