Riyadh: Turkey has unveiled a determined effort to elevate its diplomatic and economic relationship with Saudi Arabia, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveying a broad vision for cooperation during talks in Riyadh on Tuesday. In a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Erdogan expressed Ankara’s intention to take bilateral ties “to a higher level,” including collaboration in renewable energy, defense industries, and regional stability initiatives.
President Erdogan’s visit to Saudi Arabia his first major foreign trip of 2026 underscores a strategic pivot in Turkey’s Middle East policy, focused on strengthening ties with Gulf states. Erdogan arrived in Riyadh accompanied by key ministers, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Ankara’s outreach.
At the heart of discussions was a shared ambition to significantly boost economic engagement. Officials from both sides are targeting an increase in bilateral trade, with goals set to reach $10 billion in the short term and $30 billion over the long-term reflecting a rapid expansion from current levels exceeding $8.6 billion. These figures were highlighted during the Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum held in Riyadh on Tuesday.
While economic ties were a major focus, Erdogan and Saudi leaders also discussed coordination on regional issues, particularly in areas of mutual concern such as stability in Syria and broader geopolitical challenges. Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for a cooperative approach in restoring peace and rebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions, signaling a desire for greater strategic alignment.
In remarks published by regional media, Erdogan framed the relationship as not only bilateral but also of “strategic importance for peace, stability and prosperity” across the Middle East. He called for increased consultation and coordination on shared goals as part of a wider agenda to deepen cooperation far beyond trade alone.
The transformation in relations marks a notable shift from earlier tensions between Ankara and Riyadh, which had cooled significantly following diplomatic strains in the past decade. Recent years have seen a steady rapprochement, with both nations quietly rebuilding trust and expanding dialogues on regional policy and economic development.
Erdogan’s trip is expected to continue with a visit to Egypt, where he will meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and co-chair strategic talks, underlining Turkey’s broader diplomatic engagement in the region this week.
Analysts see Erdogan’s visit as part of Ankara’s effort to secure economic opportunities while forging a network of regional partnerships to shape Middle Eastern geopolitics. By aligning more closely with Saudi Arabia in multiple sectors from energy and defence to reconstruction and regional security dialogue Turkey aims to position itself as a committed and influential player in the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy.