Joint Saudi-Turkish statement: Supporting Yemeni unity and economic partnership
In a high-level diplomatic move reflecting the depth of the strategic alliance between the two regional powers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkey issued a joint statement at the conclusion of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Riyadh, outlining a roadmap for the future of bilateral relations and their unified stance on the region’s thorny issues, most notably the Yemeni file and the Palestinian issue.
A new era of strategic cooperation
This visit comes as the culmination of an upward trajectory in relations between Riyadh and Ankara, as recent years have witnessed a remarkable rapprochement reinforced by the mutual visits between the two countries' leaderships in 2022 and 2023. Analysts indicate that this statement is not merely a diplomatic protocol, but rather a confirmation of the relationship's transition from a phase of "normalization of relations" to a phase of "integrated partnership," especially in light of the geopolitical challenges plaguing the Middle East region.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held extensive talks with President Erdogan, which addressed ways to align the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 with Turkey’s Vision 2030, opening up unprecedented economic prospects for both countries.
Yemen: A firm message against partition
The Yemeni issue formed a cornerstone of the joint statement, with both sides delivering a strongly worded and unequivocal political message rejecting any infringement upon Yemen's unity. The statement emphasized the necessity of confronting any support for internal entities aiming to destabilize Yemen's security and stability or push for its division. This stance carries significant regional implications, underscoring the convergence of Saudi and Turkish views on the need to preserve the Yemeni state and support the legitimate Presidential Leadership Council.
The Turkish side also appreciated the ongoing Saudi efforts to end the crisis, including responding to the request to hold a comprehensive conference in Riyadh for the southern components, a step aimed at promoting national consensus instead of fragmentation.
Economic and defense integration
On the economic front, the discussions moved beyond traditional frameworks to strategic partnerships in the renewable energy, mining, and defense industries. Both sides agreed to accelerate electricity interconnection projects and localize industries, as well as enhance cooperation in cybersecurity and counterterrorism, reflecting a shared desire to build a resilient security and economic system capable of withstanding global fluctuations.
Palestine and regional issues
Arab and Islamic concerns were not absent from the discussions, with the Palestinian issue taking center stage. Both sides expressed their deep concern regarding the situation in Gaza, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the occupation. The statement also welcomed current international efforts, including those of the Peace Council, to advance a two-state solution.
Regarding other hot issues, the statement showed complete agreement on supporting the unity of Somalia, Sudan and Syria, and rejecting foreign interference or the creation of parallel entities that threaten the sovereignty of these countries, thus consolidating the role of Riyadh and Ankara as a safety valve for regional stability.
