The joint Saudi-Turkish statement: Details of the Riyadh Summit 2026

In a move reflecting the depth of strategic relations between the two regional powers, a joint statement was issued at the conclusion of the official visit of His Excellency Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he held extensive talks with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

A new era of strategic cooperation

This visit comes at a crucial time, building on the legacy of successful reciprocal visits in 2022 and 2023, and establishing a new phase of integration between Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Turkey’s Vision 2030. During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in the construction, renewable energy, and defense industries, with a focus on increasing non-oil trade.

Promising economic and investment partnership

The statement commended the outcomes of the Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum held in Riyadh, which witnessed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding covering the fields of energy, space, and justice. Agreements were also reached to expedite studies on electrical interconnection between the two countries and to cooperate in the field of clean hydrogen, thus strengthening their positions as key players in the global energy market.

Coordinating positions on regional issues

On the political level, the statement showed a convergence of views on the hot issues in the region:

• The Palestinian issue: Both sides stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and support for existing peace efforts, including welcoming the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan.
• The Yemeni and Sudanese file: Both parties affirmed their full support for legitimacy in Yemen and the unity of its territory, as well as support for the stability of Sudan and rejection of foreign interference or the formation of entities parallel to the state.
• The Syrian crisis: Both sides expressed support for the Syrian government's efforts to maintain security and stability, and rejected Israeli violations of Syrian territory.

The importance of the event and its expected impact

This Saudi-Turkish rapprochement is of paramount importance in light of global geopolitical tensions. Coordination between Riyadh and Ankara not only serves the interests of both countries but also forms a cornerstone of regional stability. This alliance is expected to contribute to strengthening global energy security and unifying Islamic efforts in international forums, particularly given Turkey's support for Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2030 G20 summit and Saudi Arabia's support for Turkey's hosting of the COP31 climate conference.

The statement concluded by affirming the determination to activate the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council to include vital sectors such as artificial intelligence, tourism, and military industries, which bodes well for a prosperous future for bilateral relations.