Türkiye, Saudi Arabia deepen defence ties, call for peace across region photo

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have released a joint statement underscoring the strategic importance of their defense partnership and their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.

According to the newspaper Yeni Şafak, the two countries agreed to intensify the implementation of existing defence cooperation agreements and reaffirmed their intention to further strengthen defence ties through multilateral platforms designed to enhance regional security.

The statement also emphasised cooperation in combating crime, extremism, terrorism and the financing of such activities, along with the growing importance of cybersecurity and the exchange of expertise in personnel training.

In addition to defence and security matters, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia addressed several major international issues. They rejected Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland and reiterated their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. The two sides also voiced opposition to any attempts to divide Yemen. On Syria, both countries called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces and rejected the self-proclaimed government of the “Rapid Support Forces” (RSF).

“Our criterion is clear: a Syria that does not pose a threat to its neighbours, does not open its doors to terrorist organisations, and embraces all segments of society on the basis of equal citizenship is vital for regional stability,” the Turkish president said.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia as a key factor in ensuring regional peace and stability. He noted that relations between the two countries extend beyond bilateral cooperation and carry broader significance for the global order. Erdoğan also expressed Türkiye’s willingness to act as a mediator in talks between the US and Iran aimed at reducing tensions and preventing a war.

The president stressed that Türkiye strongly opposes any new conflict in the region and continues to advocate resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. In this context, Ankara rejects scenarios involving military intervention and calls for peaceful solutions to regional challenges.

By Tamilla Hasanova