Turkey and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties While Pursuing Divergent Regional Goals
In a wide-ranging analysis by The Media Line’s Giorgia Valente, the evolving relationship between Turkey and Saudi Arabia is examined through the lenses of economic partnership, regional diplomacy, and diverging foreign policy strategies. Once estranged over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the two regional powers have since repaired ties, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan seeking Saudi investment to support a struggling economy. Erdoğan’s early post-election trip to Riyadh in 2023 signaled a shift, aligning with Turkey’s broader rapprochement across the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia, in turn, sees opportunity in deepening economic and strategic ties. Investments in tourism, logistics, and infrastructure are increasing, and both countries are actively shaping postwar Syria’s future—though not always in tandem. Riyadh has taken a lead role in diplomatic normalization with Syria, backed by US support and President Donald Trump’s surprise lifting of sanctions. Ankara has supported the effort, but without directing it.
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Despite warmer relations, Turkey and Saudi Arabia maintain sharply different positions on key issues. In Gaza, Erdoğan continues to vocally support Hamas and condemn Israel, while Riyadh cautiously advances normalization with Israel. Their respective ties with Washington also differ: Saudi Arabia retains strong security and economic links, while Turkey faces lingering fallout from its defense cooperation with Russia.
As Valente reports, experts believe these differences point to a pragmatic coexistence rather than full alignment. “They may be walking side by side,” said researcher Jean Marcou, “but not necessarily toward the same destination.”
To read Giorgia Valente’s full article on this complex, shifting alliance—and its regional implications—visit The Media Line.
