Riyadh: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan are set to co-chair the second session of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council in Riyadh on Sunday, as confirmed by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan's visit to Riyadh marks his third trip to Saudi Arabia within a year, following a working visit earlier this year on January 28-29. Prince Faisal also recently visited Trkiye on April 11-12 to attend the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) - Arab League Gaza Contact Group meeting in Antalya.
During Fidan's visit, discussions are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral ties and addressing significant regional issues. The Turkish foreign minister plans to emphasize the satisfaction derived from the rapidly developing cooperation between the two countries and express Trkiye's aim to increase its trade volume with Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Fidan will highlight the importance of strategic dialogue between the two nations in contributing to regional peace and stability.
Fidan is also anticipated to discuss shared regional concerns, particularly within the OIC, stressing the need for solidarity in addressing challenges in the Islamic world. He will underscore the priority of achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and initiating reconstruction efforts. On the subject of Syria, Fidan will advocate for lifting sanctions to accelerate Syria's development and commend the solidarity shown by Trkiye and Saudi Arabia on this issue. He will also reiterate the importance of halting destabilizing attacks by Israel on Syria.
The Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council, initiated in 2016 under the leadership of the foreign ministers of both countries, aims to institutionalize and advance bilateral relations. The first meeting of the council was held in Ankara in February 2017, and the body comprises five subcommittees focused on diplomacy, security, culture, social development, and economic cooperation.
The trade volume between Trkiye and Saudi Arabia reached approximately $8 billion in 2024, indicating deepening economic ties. Both nations continue to collaborate closely on regional matters, including through the Gaza Contact Group.