UPDATE - Türkiye, Saudi Arabia to cooperate on Syria's reconstruction: President Erdogan

UPDATES WITH MORE JOINT STATEMENT

By Esra Tekin and Asiye Latife Yilmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye will continue to support Syria’s stability and will work in cooperation with Saudi Arabia for Syrian reconstruction, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The leaders discussed regional and global issues, bilateral relations, energy, and defense during their meeting, according to a statement issued by Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

Ankara continues to work for Gaza's reconstruction, Erdogan said, urging stepped-up efforts to end the humanitarian crisis.

The two leaders also discussed in detail the latest situation in Yemen and developments in East Africa.

Erdogan expressed determination to take relations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia to a "higher level" via steps to be taken in many areas.

- Türkiye, Saudi Arabia vow to improve economic ties

In a joint statement, both parties praised the strength of the economic ties between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade and investment, and agreed on the importance of further strengthening these ties, particularly in sectors of mutual priority.

They also agreed to benefit from the investment opportunities offered under Saudi Vision 2030 and the Century of Türkiye vision for the mutual benefit of both economies.

They commended the level of bilateral trade volume and emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts to expand non-oil trade, intensify reciprocal visits by public and private sector officials, and organize trade events in both countries through the Türkiye-Saudi Arabia Business Council.

The two sides underscored the importance of concluding negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Both parties appreciated the level of mutual investments, including Saudi investments in finance, insurance, real estate, manufacturing and services. At the same time, they welcomed the vital role played by Turkish companies operating in various fields such as engineering, construction, real estate development and manufacturing.

Saudi Arabia commended the projects carried out by Turkish construction and consultancy firms in Saudi Arabia, and both parties expressed their readiness to enhance cooperation to implement further infrastructure and superstructure projects within the framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Ankara and Riyadh also welcomed the positive outcomes of the Turkish-Saudi Investment Forum held in Riyadh on Tuesday. The forum witnessed broad participation by major companies from both countries and highlighted promising investment opportunities and expertise sharing in tourism and hospitality, construction, communications and information technology, as well as life sciences and health.

- Importance of energy cooperation underlined

Both parties emphasized the importance of their roles in significantly contributing to energy supply in their regions and global markets.

Ankara highlighted the leading role of Saudi Arabia in enhancing the reliability and stability of global oil markets in a manner that serves the interests of producers and consumers and supports global economic growth.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the supply of oil, oil derivatives, and petrochemicals, and to work together to evaluate investment opportunities in the petrochemical and agricultural foodstuffs sectors, and to cooperate on innovative uses of hydrocarbons.

Erdogan and Salman reaffirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation in electricity and renewable energy by leveraging the extensive experience of both countries in renewable energy integration and Saudi Arabia’s large-scale energy investments.

They committed to accelerating feasibility studies for electricity interconnection between the two countries, and committed to exchanging expertise in electricity and renewable energy technologies, grid automation, electricity grid security and resilience, renewable energy projects, grid connectivity, and energy storage technologies, as well as encouraging the participation of companies from both sides in the implementation of these projects.

Ankara and Riyadh also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in energy efficiency and conservation, raising awareness of the importance of these issues, and exchanging expertise and building capacity in the energy services sector.

The two sides also welcomed exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen, developing technologies related to hydrogen transportation and storage, and exchanging expertise and experience to implement best practices in clean hydrogen.

They further agreed on the necessity of strengthening cooperation in developing and maintaining energy supply chains and enabling cooperation among companies in both countries to leverage local resources, thereby contributing to a more resilient and efficient energy supply.

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen cooperation in the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources. They also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and joint ventures in the field of critical minerals in order to ensure the security of supply chains that are vital for the global energy transition.

- Importance of climate change cooperation

On climate change, both sides emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements that focus on emissions rather than sources.

Saudi Arabia also welcomed Türkiye’s presidency of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP31) and its hosting of COP31 in Antalya from Nov. 9-20, 2026.

Ankara praised Riyadh’s stance and efforts in the field of climate change. Both sides also underscored the importance of joint cooperation in developing circular carbon economy practices by promoting policies that use the circular carbon economy as a tool, alongside other mitigation approaches, to manage emissions and achieve climate change goals.

- Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council vital for advancing cooperation

Ankara and Riyadh commended the level of coordination and cooperation within the framework of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council aimed at achieving shared interests and advancing cooperation across all sectors to new horizons.

They also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnerships in various areas, including digital economy, artificial intelligence, new technologies and space technologies, transport, logistics and civil aviation, law and justice, culture, tourism, sports and youth, science and education, media, environment, water, agriculture and food security, customs, defense industries, and health.

- Bilateral defense deals

In the field of defense and security, both parties agreed on the need to operationalize the agreements signed between the two countries in areas of defense cooperation.

Ankara and Riyadh reaffirmed their desire to strengthen and develop defense relations, including through multilateral cooperation platforms, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to security and stability in the region.

They emphasized the importance of enhancing existing security cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including combating all forms of crime, extremism and terrorism and their financing, as well as exchanging expertise and training, and strengthening cooperation in the field of cybersecurity in a manner that serves the interests and national security of both countries.

- Commitment to persistent efforts for global peace

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and intensified efforts to maintain international peace and security. They discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and underscored their determination to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination.

They also confirmed their continued support for all efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region and globally.

The parties held comprehensive discussions on regional developments, expressed concern over ongoing conflicts, rising tensions, and the risk of escalation, and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation.

They reaffirmed their support for collective initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability, peace, and prosperity.

- Cooperation in international forums

Both sides underlined the importance of continuing cooperation in international forums, organizations, and multilateral financial and economic institutions.

Türkiye expressed its support for Saudi Arabia’s desire to host the G20 Summit in 2030.

The two sides welcomed the signing of four agreements during the visit, covering areas such as justice, renewable energy, the peaceful use of outer space, and cooperation in research, development, and innovation.

- Urgent aid to Gaza

On the latest developments in Palestine, both sides expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, ongoing Israeli attacks, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid and border crossings.

They highlighted the need to intensify relief efforts in Gaza and ensure that all crossings are fully opened to allow the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.

They urged the international community to put pressure on Israeli occupation authorities to guarantee the protection of civilians, avoid targeting vital infrastructure, and comply with international law and international humanitarian law.

They also underscored the necessity of consolidating the ceasefire, ending the occupation of Gaza, and enabling the Palestinian National Authority to resume its responsibilities in Gaza.

They reaffirmed the need to end the occupation entirely and establish an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international law and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

- Participation in Board of Peace

Both sides welcomed their countries’ participation in the Board of Peace, supporting peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump.

They welcomed the launch of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan for Gaza and the start of work by the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and praised international efforts in this regard.

Saudi Arabia praised Türkiye’s mediation efforts carried out alongside guarantor states and the achievements made.

Türkiye praised Saudi Arabia’s co-chair role in the UN High-Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, noting the resulting increase in international recognition of the State of Palestine.

Ankara and Riyadh also reaffirmed the vital role of UNRWA in providing basic services to the Palestinian people.

They “strongly” condemned Israeli forces’ demolition of UNRWA buildings in occupied Jerusalem and completely rejected Israel’s violations of international norms and laws.

They called on the international community to confront these actions and crimes against international humanitarian organizations.

Both sides highlighted the crucial role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in defending the Palestinian cause and praised the work of the Arab-Islamic Gaza Contact Group.

They also agreed to encourage stronger dialogue and cooperation between Türkiye and the Arab League.

The parties reaffirmed their support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and his government.

They underlined the importance of preserving Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity and rejected any attempts to support internal forces seeking to divide the country or undermine its security and stability.

Türkiye expressed its support for Saudi Arabia’s role in Yemen and its efforts to end the crisis, including responding to calls to hold a comprehensive conference in Riyadh involving all southern groups to strengthen national reconciliation.

- Support for Somalia's unity, territorial integrity

Both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as their commitment to Somalia’s stability, prosperity, and development.

They rejected the mutual recognition declaration between Israeli occupation authorities and the so-called “Somaliland” region, which they consider an integral part of Somalia, stating that it violates international law and reinforces unilateral separatist actions that increase regional tensions.

They also slammed efforts to impose parallel structures that undermine Somalia’s unity.

- Sudan’s unity, security, and sovereignty

The parties reaffirmed their firm position on preserving Sudan’s unity, security, stability, and sovereignty.

They rejected any illegitimate or parallel entities operating outside Sudan’s legitimate state institutions.

They highlighted the importance of preventing Sudan from becoming a hub for conflict and illegal activities, including the illicit flow of foreign weapons.

In line with International Humanitarian Law and the Jeddah Declaration of May 11, 2023, they underscored the need to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid access across all parts of Sudan.

They underlined the importance of safeguarding Sudanese state institutions and launching a Sudanese-led political process aimed at establishing a civilian government free from extremist groups responsible for crimes against the Sudanese people.

Türkiye praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve peace in Sudan, end the war, preserve unity and stability, and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Saudi Arabia praised Türkiye for its humanitarian assistance efforts in response to the crisis in Sudan.

The parties welcomed the Sudanese Armed Forces’ decision to keep the Adre border crossing with Chad open for a longer period and to reopen airports in Kassala, Dongola, and El Obeid, as well as the Kadugli border crossing, to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.

- Riyadh, Ankara welcome lifting of sanctions on Syria

Both sides praised the efforts of the Syrian government and the responsible steps taken to preserve Syria’s security, stability, and territorial integrity.

They welcomed international efforts to support the Syrian government and lift sanctions.

They supported the implementation of the ceasefire and integration agreement announced on Jan. 30 and reaffirmed full support for Syria’s efforts to combat terrorist organizations that threaten Syria and the wider region, and to promote civil peace.

They condemned repeated Israeli violations and attacks against Syrian territory and sovereignty, stating that these acts clearly violate international law, threaten regional security and stability, and fuel violence and extremism.

They reiterated calls for Israel’s immediate withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories.

- Russia-Ukraine war

On the Russia–Ukraine crisis, both sides reaffirmed their strong support for a comprehensive, negotiated solution that complies with international law and the UN Charter, aimed at achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.