Erdogan Visits Saudi Arabia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Palace of Peace in Jeddah. Erdogan is on a visit to several Gulf countries with the aim of enhancing bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and investment and trade between the two countries.

Bilateral Relations

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), “aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries, prospects for joint cooperation, and opportunities for their development in various fields were reviewed, in addition to discussing the latest regional and international developments and the efforts made towards them.”

Bilateral Agreements

Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Erdogan witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral agreements between the two countries in the fields of direct investment, defense industries, energy, defense, telecommunications, media, and technology. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, the Turkish president also presented two Turkish-made electric cars as gifts to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Nouv Al-Ghamdi, a member of the National Center for Studies and Research, emphasized the importance of Turkish President Recep Erdogan’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered an important addition to the progress of Saudi-Turkish relations and aims to enhance trade exchange between the two countries.

She added in televised statements that both Saudi Arabia and Turkey have significant opportunities for potential trade exchange and a range of major partnerships in the future. She pointed out that the goal of enhancing these trade relations between the two countries is to deepen the partnership and reach a trade exchange of around 10 billion dollars.

Al-Ghamdi, a member of the National Center for Studies and Research, also highlighted the importance of supporting Saudi Arabia’s decision to sign an agreement worth approximately 5 billion dollars as a deposit for the benefit of the Central Bank of Turkey.

Strengthening Relations

Fahd Al-Debaji, a Saudi political analyst, says, “We support our leaders in what they see in different relations with countries around the world,” adding that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the Kingdom will contribute to further strengthening the relations and will bring many benefits to both countries, as well as to the region as a whole, achieving common economic and political gains for both sides.

He added in a statement to “Al Arabiya”: “This Saudi-Turkish rapprochement, along with the previous UAE rapprochement and the forthcoming one in Egypt, will pave the way for Turkey’s rapprochement with several countries in the region in the near future,” noting that Saudi Arabia is considered an important strategic force in the region and has a significant influence in the region.

He continued: “The geopolitical changes in the region have a strong impact, and there should always be a positive change in the political relations between the countries of the region for the common good.”