Turkish President Erdogan Visits Saudi Arabia, Strengthening Rival Diplomatic Ties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday, according to Saudi media. His visit marks the first time he has traveled to the kingdom since 2023, when his trip included discussions aimed at increasing investments.

Relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia have improved over recent years, with both countries collaborating on various diplomatic matters. This cooperation includes support for Gaza and backing Syria’s new government following Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in 2024.

Erdogan is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit—his first since July of last year—and the two are set to discuss “deepening cooperation” between their nations, as well as regional and global issues. The Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu reported this information.

The President’s trip also included a stop in Cairo on Wednesday.

It was previously reported that Turkey would not be participating in a mutual defense pact recently formed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This follows Hakan Fidan, the Turkish Foreign Minister, who earlier this month stated they were negotiating to join the alliance.

Turkish-Saudi relations have been strained since October 2018 when Saudi agents murdered Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkey pursued the case vigorously, opening an investigation and briefing international media on the details of his death.

The upcoming meeting in Riyadh comes ahead of potential talks between the United States and Iran about restarting nuclear negotiations. Tehran has called for these discussions after Washington warned of negative repercussions if a deal is not reached.

Erdogan has become a key figure in efforts to mediate peace between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, which were once bitter enemies.