Türkiye and Saudi Arabia strengthen ties with visa exemption deal

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud convened the third Türkiye-Saudi Coordination Council meeting in Ankara on Wednesday. The gathering focused on advancing institutional cooperation and exchanging views on pressing regional matters, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Strategic sectors and diplomatic breakthrough

The two delegations reviewed joint working groups in critical fields such as trade, defence, energy, tourism, education, and transportation. In a post on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Fidan highlighted that the talks reaffirmed the commitment to an institutional framework in handling bilateral affairs. The most notable outcome was the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders, a move expected to ease high-level travel and foster closer state-to-state engagement.

Regional focus and Gaza discussions

Beyond bilateral ties, the ministers addressed the volatile situation in Gaza, reflecting a shared concern over regional stability. Fidan expressed gratitude to the Saudi delegation for their visit, stating that the accords reached would bring mutual benefits. The meeting underscores a continued rapprochement between Ankara and Riyadh, building on previous high-level exchanges and economic cooperation deals.

Looking ahead

Analysts view the latest coordination council meeting as a step toward deeper Turkish-Saudi alignment amid shifting Middle Eastern dynamics. Both nations have signalled intent to expand collaboration beyond traditional sectors, with energy and defence emerging as key pillars of the renewed partnership.