Erdogan offers Türkiye's mediation in Yemen during Saudi call

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has underscored Türkiye's readiness to actively contribute to resolving the crisis in Yemen during a high-level phone call with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In the conversation on Sunday, President Erdogan expressed Ankara's close attention to developments in Yemen and Somalia, emphasizing the critical importance of preserving the territorial integrity and stability of both nations.

A Diplomatic Push for Mediation in Yemen

A central point of the discussion was the escalating situation in Yemen, where a major rift has opened between Saudi Arabia and its former coalition partner, the United Arab Emirates. President Erdogan specifically conveyed Türkiye's willingness to "contribute to efforts to bring together the parties that are at odds in Yemen." This offer positions Ankara as a potential diplomatic actor in a conflict that has recently seen the Southern Transitional Council seize control of vast eastern provinces, prompting a severe diplomatic crisis within the anti-Houthi alliance.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Addressing Gaza

Beyond regional mediation, the two leaders reviewed the state of Turkish-Saudi relations. President Erdogan indicated that Ankara aims to "enhance cooperation between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia by taking additional steps in the days to come," signaling a continued warming of ties following years of diplomatic tension. The call also covered the ongoing war in Gaza, with President Erdogan warning that the "humanitarian situation in Gaza is getting worse with the onset of winter." He reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to working for a lasting ceasefire and the reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave.

Türkiye's Regional Strategy and Brokerage Role

The phone call reflects Türkiye's broader strategy of asserting itself as an indispensable diplomatic broker in the Middle East. By engaging directly with Riyadh on crises in Yemen, Somalia, and Gaza, President Erdogan is leveraging Ankara's relationships across the region's political divides. This approach aligns with Türkiye's longstanding support for state sovereignty and its efforts to resolve conflicts through dialogue, contrasting with other forms of intervention. The discussion also highlights the complex web of regional alliances, where Türkiye maintains significant economic and political ties with both Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which is also involved in Yemen mediation efforts.