Erdogan's visit to Saudi Arabia: Strategic partnership and defense cooperation
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister, are of exceptional importance at this critical juncture for the Middle East. This visit underscores the depth of bilateral relations and the shared desire to enhance coordination on regional and international issues, serving the interests of both countries and strengthening security and stability in the region.
Strategic dimensions and regional influence
The importance of this summit stems not only from bilateral relations but also from the political and economic weight of both countries. The Kingdom and Turkey are active members of the G20 and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and possess significant geopolitical influence. These discussions come within the framework of the two regional powers' efforts to unify their visions regarding current security challenges. Both sides agree on the necessity of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the region's countries, reflecting a political maturity in managing complex crises.
Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council: Institutionalizing Cooperation
The growing relations are based on a solid foundation: the establishment of the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council , announced during the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to Turkey in 2016. This council witnessed significant development with the signing of a protocol amending its founding minutes in 2024, making it the primary framework for regulating cooperation in the political, diplomatic, and economic spheres. The council aims to translate political understandings into concrete projects that benefit the people of both countries.
A qualitative leap in defense cooperation and technology localization
The defense sector is a cornerstone of the current partnership, with military cooperation aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which aims to localize more than 50% of military spending. In this context, the Saudi Ministry of Defense signed strategic acquisition contracts with the Turkish defense company Baykar. These agreements extend beyond mere procurement, focusing primarily on knowledge transfer and the localization of drone manufacturing and related systems within the Kingdom, as well as the training of Saudi nationals, thereby enhancing strategic independence and domestic defense capabilities.
Economic partnership and a promising investment environment
On the economic front, the figures testify to the success of the rapprochement, with trade volume exceeding $7.47 billion in 2024 and continuing to grow in 2025. Economic reforms in the Kingdom and the creation of an attractive investment environment have contributed to attracting approximately 390 Turkish companies to operate in the Saudi market. Furthermore, the Saudi-Turkish Business Forum has strengthened integration opportunities through the signing of several agreements, opening the door for the private sector in both countries to capitalize on the vast investment opportunities offered by major projects in the Kingdom.
