Forging a Strategic Alliance: Advancing Türkiye-Saudi Arabia Relations Amid Opportunities and Challenges

The Turkish War of Independence, fought under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in the aftermath of World War I, culminated in an unprecedented victory. This hard-won struggle gave birth to the modern Republic of Türkiye, a nation forged in the fires of resistance and dedicated to the principle of national sovereignty.

Today, as we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic’s proclamation, we reflect on a century of progress. The young Republic, drawing strength from its deep historical and cultural roots and guided by its foundational motto, “Peace at home, peace in the world,” embarked on a resolute path toward becoming a democratic, stable, and prosperous nation. This journey has not only transformed Türkiye domestically but has also seen it emerge as a responsible actor contributing to regional and international stability.

We now stand at the dawn of a new era, which we proudly call “The Century of Türkiye.” This vision is not merely aspirational; it is a national commitment to elevate our nation among the world’s leading powers through sustained development, technological innovation, and proactive, strategic diplomacy.

Yet, this ascent unfolds against a backdrop of profound regional turbulence. From the Levant to the Caucasus and the Red Sea, peace and security are under constant strain. Core tenets of international law, including the protection of civilians and the prohibition of the use of force, are being eroded. In this fragile landscape, the imperative for strengthened cooperation between Türkiye and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never been more urgent. As two pivotal powers sharing a commitment to regional stability, sovereignty, and the principles of international law, our partnership is a cornerstone for a secure future.

A Shared Vision for Regional Stability

Our countries maintain aligned perspectives on a multitude of critical regional issues. We share a firm conviction that a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question requires the implementation of a viable two-state solution. We are united in our efforts toward the reconstruction of Syria and the facilitation of a political process that ensures its territorial integrity and stability. In the Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade, we have a shared interest in ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation. Furthermore, we are jointly engaged in supporting mediation efforts to end the conflict in Sudan and restore peace to its people.

This common ground is rooted in a mutual respect for sovereignty, the principle of good neighbourliness, and an unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and diplomacy. Together, we engage with the broader Islamic world to counter aggression and champion the rights of Muslim nations, particularly in the Middle East.

Recent diplomatic engagements vividly illustrate this strategic alignment. The Arab League-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Joint Summit in Doha provided a crucial platform, culminating in a productive meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Türkiye’s active participation in the High-Level International Conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-organized by Saudi Arabia and France, and our involvement in the emerging Global Alliance for the same purpose, underscore our shared diplomatic priorities. Continued coordination between our foreign ministers, including at prestigious forums like the Munich Security Conference, ensures our policies remain synchronized on the global stage.

Deepening the Foundations of Cooperation

The burgeoning Türkiye-Saudi Arabia relationship extends far beyond the diplomatic sphere, creating a multi-faceted partnership built on tangible collaboration.

• Economic Synergy: Bilateral trade reached a historic high of $8 billion last year, a testament to growing commercial ties. Our shared ambition is to elevate this figure to $10 billion in the short term and eventually to $15 billion, unlocking vast untapped potential in sectors such as energy, construction, technology, and finance.

• Bridging Peoples: People-to-people connections are the bedrock of our fraternal ties. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who perform Hajj and Umrah, tourism is experiencing a remarkable surge. Last year, 869,000 Saudi tourists visited Türkiye, a number projected to approach one million this year, fostering greater cultural understanding and economic exchange.

• A Partnership in Security: Cooperation in defense and the military sphere has become a crucial pillar of our bilateral relations. In response to evolving security challenges, our armed forces are increasingly engaged in joint training and exercises. We are also expanding mutual programs in language and theoretical instruction, recognizing that a strong partnership requires a foundation of shared knowledge and interoperability. The displays of Türkiye’s advanced defense technology at various international fairs have been met with great interest from our Saudi brothers, opening the door to numerous potential joint projects that will enhance our collective security and technological autonomy.

Conclusion: A Transformative Partnership for the Coming Century

Türkiye regards Saudi Arabia not merely as a key regional partner, but as a brotherly nation with which we share profound historical, cultural, and religious bonds. Our mutual commitment to peace, security, and the prosperity of our peoples forms the bedrock of this relationship.

As Türkiye embarks on its second century as a Republic, our strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia offers a formidable foundation upon which to shape a new regional order—one defined by security, dialogue, and shared prosperity. By combining our diplomatic influence, economic capacities, and security capabilities, our nations are poised to play a transformative role in steering the Middle East toward a more stable and hopeful future. The challenges are significant, but the opportunities born of our renewed alliance are far greater. Together, we can build the century that our people deserve.

  Donate Here