Strategic partnership between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia bolsters regional stability

The strategic partnership between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia is reaching new heights, significantly influencing economic cooperation and political stability across the Middle East. This strengthened alliance, built on nearly a century of diplomatic relations, is now characterized by frequent high-level engagement, expanding trade, and landmark defense industry collaborations that extend both nations' regional influence.

Expanding Economic Ties and Defense Collaboration

Bilateral trade has surged, approaching $8 billion in 2024, with Türkiye exporting agricultural products, carpets, and chemicals. The defense sector has seen transformative deals, including the establishment of the Saudi Defense Electronics Company (SADEC) with Türkiye's ASELSAN and the historic export of Bayraktar AKINCI drones, Türkiye's largest-ever defense contract. Recent Saudi cabinet approvals for new cooperation in renewable energy and civil defense signal further diversification of the partnership beyond traditional sectors.

Coordinated Diplomacy on Regional Crises

As leading regional powers, Ankara and Riyadh have aligned their foreign policies on several critical fronts. They share a concerted stance on the Palestinian issue, jointly advocating for a two-state solution and contributing to widespread international recognition of Palestine. Following political changes in Syria, both countries have supported the new administration and championed reconstruction efforts. Their coordinated diplomatic and humanitarian approaches also address conflicts in Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia, promoting stability through multilateral institutions like the UN and the OIC.

Historical Foundation and Forward Momentum

The relationship, formalized by a 1929 Friendship Treaty, has evolved through key historical moments, including royal visits and cooperation during the Iran-Iraq War. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's upcoming visit to Riyadh, featuring a major business forum, continues this momentum. For Türkiye, this robust partnership is a cornerstone of its proactive foreign policy, amplifying its economic reach and diplomatic weight while fostering a more predictable and cooperative regional order.