Third Turkish-Saudi Coordination Meeting to Take Place in Ankara
Ankara, May 5, 2026 – The 3rd Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council Meeting is scheduled to be held tomorrow in Ankara. The meeting will be co-chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. This significant gathering aims to advance bilateral relations and address critical regional developments.
According to information obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the third meeting of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council will convene in Ankara. A key outcome expected from this meeting is the signing of an Agreement on Mutual Exemption from 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.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation
During the discussions, Minister Fidan is expected to comprehensively review opportunities for further cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia across all sectors. This includes assessing the work of the committees established within the council, which are designed to foster collaboration in various fields.
The Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council, established in 2016, serves as a consultation and cooperation mechanism to institutionally monitor and develop relations between the two countries in all dimensions. The first meeting of the council took place in Ankara on February 7-8, 2017, and the second meeting was held in Riyadh on May 18, 2025.
The council comprises five sub-committees, involving relevant institutions from both countries:
- Political and Diplomatic Committee
- Military and Security Committee
- Culture, Sports, Media, and Tourism Committee
- Social Development, Health, and Education Committee
- Trade, Industry, Investment, Infrastructure, and Energy Committee
Bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Saudi Arabia reached 8.5 billion dollars by the end of 2025, underscoring the growing economic ties. Mutual visits at all levels continue to contribute to the development of these relations, and both countries maintain close coordination on multilateral platforms.
Addressing Regional Developments and Stability
Minister Fidan is also anticipated to emphasize the strategic importance of cooperation in connectivity and current regional developments. He is expected to highlight the necessity of strengthening a regional ownership approach to establish lasting security and stability in the region.
Furthermore, Fidan is projected to state that Turkey continues to contribute constructively to ongoing contacts and negotiations between the US and Iran, aiming for lasting peace. He is expected to underline the importance of preventing developments in the Strait of Hormuz from leading to new tensions and provocations.
Regarding the ongoing ceasefire violations in Gaza by the Netanyahu government and illegal actions in the West Bank, Fidan is expected to stress the importance of resolutely defending the two-state solution vision. Consultations are also anticipated on the ongoing negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza peace agreement and the work of the Peace Board. Fidan is expected to emphasize that the international community must adopt a more deterrent stance against Israel’s occupation of Lebanon.
The meeting underscores the commitment of both Turkey and Saudi Arabia to enhance their strategic partnership and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
