Turkey and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Bilateral Relations in Ankara
Ankara, May 6, 2026 – The third meeting of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council is being held today in Ankara, co-chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud. This significant gathering aims to further strengthen bilateral relations and address critical regional and international issues.
The meeting is expected to culminate in the signing of an “Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic and Special Passports between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” This agreement signifies a tangible step towards facilitating closer ties and cooperation between the two nations.
Minister Fidan’s Key Messages for Regional Stability
During the discussions, Foreign Minister Fidan is anticipated to emphasize five crucial messages, highlighting Turkey’s stance on regional security and stability:
- Strengthening Regional Ownership: Fidan will underscore the importance of reinforcing regional ownership for establishing lasting security and stability in the region.
- Constructive Contribution to Peace: Turkey is actively providing constructive contributions to ensure that ongoing contacts and negotiations between the United States and Iran lead to a permanent peace.
- Preventing Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz: It is imperative to prevent developments in the Strait of Hormuz from leading to new tensions and provocations.
- Defending Two-State Solution for Palestine: In response to the Netanyahu government’s ongoing ceasefire violations in Gaza and unlawful actions in the West Bank, it is crucial to resolutely defend the vision of a two-state solution.
- International Community’s Role in Lebanon: The international community must adopt a more deterrent stance against Israel’s occupation in Lebanon.
These points reflect Turkey’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Middle East, advocating for diplomatic solutions and adherence to international law.
Deepening Economic and Diplomatic Ties
The Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation across various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The visa exemption agreement is expected to boost diplomatic and business travel, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual understanding.
Both Turkey and Saudi Arabia are influential regional powers, and their strengthened partnership holds significant implications for regional dynamics. The discussions in Ankara are poised to lay the groundwork for a new era of cooperation, addressing shared challenges and exploring new opportunities for growth and stability.
The meeting underscores the growing importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and promoting collective security.
Source: https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2026/05/06/korfez-ile-yeni-donem-icin-ankarada-bulusma
