Saudi-Turkish statement: Supporting Yemeni unity and a comprehensive economic partnership

In a move reflecting the depth of strategic relations between the two regional powers, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkey issued a joint statement at the conclusion of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Riyadh and his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The statement conveyed firm political and economic messages, most notably emphasizing the need to preserve Yemen's unity and sovereignty and rejecting any attempts to destabilize it by supporting internal entities operating outside the framework of legitimacy.

Historical context and development of relations

This visit marks the culmination of an upward trajectory in Saudi-Turkish relations, building upon the successes achieved during reciprocal visits in 2022 and 2023. The relationship has evolved from a phase of normalization to one of comprehensive strategic partnership, leveraging the political and economic weight both countries carry within the G20 and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Observers note that this Saudi-Turkish alignment is a cornerstone for ensuring stability in the turbulent Middle East region.

The Yemeni file: Supporting legitimacy and rejecting division

The Yemeni issue topped the agenda of the joint statement, with both sides affirming their full support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council. The statement emphasized, in a firm tone, the necessity of confronting any attempts to divide Yemen or support internal entities seeking to destabilize security and stability, a clear indication of the rejection of agendas that contradict the unity of Yemeni territory. Turkey also welcomed Saudi Arabia's pivotal role, including its response to the request to host a comprehensive conference in Riyadh for southern factions to promote national consensus.

A strong economic and energy partnership

On the economic front, both sides agreed to move forward with aligning "Saudi Vision 2030" with "Türkiye's Century Vision," focusing on:

• Electrical interconnection: Accelerating feasibility studies for linking the electricity grids between the two countries to enhance energy security.
• Trade and Investment: Working towards finalizing the free trade agreement between Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and promoting investments in infrastructure and defense industries.
• Energy: Cooperation in the fields of oil, petrochemicals, clean hydrogen, and securing supply chains for critical metals.

Coordinating positions on regional issues

The statement highlighted the convergence of views on several key issues:

• Palestine: Welcoming the two countries' accession to the "Peace Council" and supporting the two-state solution, while condemning the ongoing Israeli aggression and demanding an immediate ceasefire.
• Sudan and Somalia: Rejection of the formation of any parallel entities that threaten the sovereignty of the two countries, and support for legitimate national institutions.
• Syria: Supporting the Syrian government's efforts to extend its sovereignty and rejecting Israeli violations of Syrian territory.

This statement carries great importance and is expected to have an impact at both the regional and international levels, as it sends a unified message about rejecting chaos and militias parallel to states, and enhances opportunities for economic development through the integration of resources between Riyadh and Ankara.