Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Expand Strategic Cooperation

03 February 2026, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
03 February 2026, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
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Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Expand Strategic Cooperation

03 February 2026, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
03 February 2026, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa

Saudi Arabia and Türkiye stressed in a joint statement on Wednesday the importance of strengthening political and economic cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination to maintain international peace and security.

The statement was issued following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the Kingdom on Tuesday. Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held a meeting with Erdogan at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and intensified efforts to maintain international peace and security. They exchanged views on issues of mutual concern at the regional and international levels, and emphasized their determination to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination on these matters, as well as their continued support for all efforts aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region and the world,” said the statement.

“Regarding the latest developments in Palestine, both sides expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing Israeli aggression, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid and border crossings. They stressed the importance of intensifying relief efforts in Gaza and pushing for the unimpeded opening of all crossings to ensure the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza Strip.”

On Yemen, both sides affirmed their support for the legitimate Yemeni government and stressed the importance of preserving Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

They also stressed the importance of confronting any attempts to divide Yemen.

Regarding Syria, the statement called for preserving Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people for development and prosperity.

The two countries reiterated their condemnation of the repeated Israeli violations against Syrian territory and sovereignty and called for Israel’s immediate withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories.

On Somalia, both sides affirmed their unwavering support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity, rejecting the declaration of mutual recognition between Israel and the so-called "Somaliland" region.

In the economic, trade, and investment sectors, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye commended the strength of their economic ties and agreed on further strengthening them.

They also agreed to capitalize on the investment opportunities offered by the Saudi Vision 2030 and Century of Türkiye Vision for the mutual benefit of both economies.

According to the statement, they emphasized the importance of their respective roles in making significant contribution to the energy supply of their region and global markets.

They affirmed their desire to enhance cooperation in the fields of electricity and renewable energy, leveraging both countries’ extensive experience in renewable energy integration and the Kingdom’s large-scale energy investments. They also welcomed exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen.

On defense and security, both sides agreed on the need to activate the agreements signed between the two countries in the areas of defense cooperation.

“They affirmed their desire to strengthen and develop their defense relations in a way that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to achieving security and stability in the region, including through multilateral cooperation platforms,” the joint statement added.



Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Review Relations, Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Pakistani Counterpart Review Relations, Discuss Latest Developments

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar (L). (Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held phone talks on Friday with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ishaq Dar, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two sides reviewed the brotherly relations between the two countries, discussed the latest developments, and affirmed continued coordination and consultation in this regard.


Saudi Crown Prince, Italian PM Discuss Fallout of Military Escalation in the Region

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Italian PM Discuss Fallout of Military Escalation in the Region

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah (SPA)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Jeddah on Friday to review bilateral ties and explore ways to strengthen cooperation.

The two officials also discussed regional developments, including the risks of ongoing military escalation to global trade, energy security, and the world economy, while stressing coordination to support Middle East stability.

Meloni’s visit marks the first by a European Union leader to the region since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, according to Reuters.

In an interview with Italian state television, Meloni said her country stands with Gulf states against Iranian attacks, describing them as “friends and strategic partners,” and calling her visit “a gesture of solidarity.”

Speaking from Jeddah, she stated that her trip is primarily focused on oil, noting that Gulf countries supply about 15% of Italy’s needs. She stressed the importance of securing stable energy supplies.

Meloni arrived in Jeddah Friday and was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and other Saudi figures.


Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Islamic Ministers’ Executive Council Condemns Iran’s Attacks on the Region

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh addresses the conference. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Executive Council of the Conference of Ministers of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs condemned the deliberate Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and Jordan, accusing Tehran of seeking to destabilize the region, terrorize civilians, kill innocents and target homes, infrastructure, desalination plants, airports and diplomatic missions.

In a statement after a virtual meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the council said the attacks violated Islamic values and principles, good neighborliness, international treaties and international law, and posed a threat to international peace and security.

The council said the attacks could not be justified under any pretext and called on Iran to halt them immediately and stop supporting, funding or arming affiliated militias.

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and Chairman of the council Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh urged condemnation of the heinous attacks by Iran and its militias on Saudi Arabia, Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan.

He said the attacks violated Islamic principles and international laws, undermined regional security and reflected a reckless attempt to push the region toward chaos and strife.

Alsheikh said Saudi Arabia and its leadership were capable of defending the country, protecting Islamic holy sites and confronting any threat to its security and resources.

The Kingdom had strengthened national unity, with citizens rallying behind the leadership and supporting its decisions, he added.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the minister said the meeting came at a time of “abnormal circumstances” in the Muslim world marked by rising aggression.

He accused Iran of carrying out daily hostile acts, including launching drones and missiles without justification toward Saudi Arabia, Gulf states and Jordan, and said those countries remained steadfast, strong and aware of their responsibilities toward their religion, leadership and nations.