Turkish president, Recip Tayip Erdogan, on Tuesday (3 February), started an official visit to Saudi Arabia, which is considered of crucial importance in the light of current tensions in the Middle East, and the role that a Turkish-Saudi axis can play in the wider region.
Shortly after his arrival in Riyadh, President Erdogan met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and prime minister, Mohammed bin Salman at al Yamamah Palace.
President Erdogan gave an extensive interview on his arrival in Riyadh to the Saudi newspaper Asharq al-Awsat in which he discussed bilateral ties with the Kingdom, the situation around Iran, and regional issues.
We publish the interview in full:
Saudi-Turkish relations
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are two friendly countries with deep historical ties, strong state traditions, and a shared sense of regional responsibility. We have never viewed this relationship through a narrow lens confined solely to bilateral matters. This is because the valuable friendship between our two countries also carries a strategic significance for the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region as a whole.”
“As a natural outcome of this understanding, Türkiye-Saudi Arabia relations constitute a line of stability that goes beyond economic cooperation alone, encompassing consultation, coordination, and the strengthening of common wisdom. Indeed, in our previous meetings with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, we addressed not only bilateral relations but also regional and global issues, and reaffirmed our mutual determination to further deepen our cooperation in the period ahead,” he added.
Expanding consultations
On his visit to Saudi Arabia, he said: “We aim to both deepen consultation on regional issues and advance our bilateral relations in concrete areas. In this regard, the inclusion of the business community in the program clearly reflects our commitment to elevating economic cooperation.
“This visit brings consultation and a positive agenda together at the same table. Our agenda includes Palestine, a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and Syria,” Erdoğan stated. “There is, of course, also an economic aspect, namely how we can expand our trade, investments, and joint projects, which we will address as well. Thus, we will strengthen consultation while also broadening the positive agenda.”
“Regarding new steps of cooperation, we do not view the matter solely through the lens of signing documents. What truly matters to us are sustainable and concrete projects that deliver tangible results on the ground and generate mutual benefit. We seek initiatives that will open new horizons for our business communities, create employment, and improve the lives of our people,” he went on to say.
“We see significant potential not only in the economy, trade, and investment, but also in fields such as energy, tourism, transportation, and logistics,” he noted. “We have no intention of leaving this potential merely on paper. Our objective is to expand this cooperation through concrete projects based on a mutual win-win approach and to elevate our relations to a more advanced level.”
“In the defense industry, our primary goal is to establish cooperation based on mutual trust that builds capacity and strengthens technological and production capabilities. I believe that steps to be taken in areas such as joint production, technology sharing, and training will not only strengthen the defense capacities of both countries, but also further consolidate the foundations of our strategic partnership,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Iran
On the possibility of the eruption of a war between the US and Iran, he said:
“Let me begin by stating that experience has proven that scenarios which fail to grasp the values, identity, history, and future of this geography have inflicted far greater suffering on the region than peace. The wounds inflicted by the implementation of such scenarios in Gaza, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan remain vivid in our collective memory.”
“For this reason, as Türkiye, we categorically oppose a new war or a new wave of destruction in our region,” he declared.
“We advocate resolving issues through dialogue, reason, prudence, and sound judgment. We have openly and consistently expressed our opposition to any military intervention against Iran on every platform. In this regard, we advise our counterparts to refrain from any steps that could escalate tensions, exercising due restraint.
“We informed our counterparts that we are closely following developments in Iran, attach importance to the country’s peace and stability, and do not support any external intervention that would bring suffering to the Iranian people,” he said.
“Moreover, we emphasize that Türkiye is ready to assume a facilitating role between Iran and the United States in order to de-escalate tensions and help resolve issues through diplomatic means. In this context, our diplomatic engagement continues. We stand against every step that would plunge the region into flames, and we stand with every step that strengthens peace,” he added.
“We view the consultations and coordination we are conducting with regional countries within this framework. Our contacts with friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, are ongoing,” he remarked.
“We do not view the matter through the lens of bloc alignment or alliances. What our region needs is not new divisions, but a foundation for cooperation shaped by common wisdom and shared responsibility. Our aim is not to manage conflict but to jointly strengthen the diplomatic groundwork that will prevent it from arising in the first place. For this reason, the establishment of regional security mechanisms would be beneficial in preventing crises.”
Gaza and the challenges
On the challenges hindering the success of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan after the Israeli Prime Minister’s rejection of Turkish and Qatari involvement in Gaza, Erdoğan said: “The main issue in Gaza is to make the ceasefire permanent, to ensure the protection of civilians, to deliver humanitarian aid without interruption or obstruction, and to bring forced displacement to a complete end.”
“Any discussion held without securing these fundamental points would miss the essence of the matter,” he said.
“Moving on to the second phase of the Peace Plan is important; however, the greatest obstacle to this phase is, first and foremost, the continuing fragility of the ceasefire. At this point, it is essential that recovery and reconstruction efforts begin without delay, that urgent and basic needs in Gaza are met, that public services are provided, and that Israeli forces withdraw gradually from Gaza in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. As a member of the Board of Peace, Türkiye will actively contribute to these processes,” he added.
“Without establishing trust on the ground and ensuring lasting calm between the parties, it is impossible for this process to proceed in a sound manner. In addition, the destroyed infrastructure, the collapsed healthcare system, the water and electricity crises, the need for shelter, and the sheer scale of reconstruction all represent serious obstacles to the second phase. Therefore, success depends on establishing a framework that addresses both the security and humanitarian dimensions.”
Peacekeeping force
“As for the debates on a peacekeeping force or an international mission, our approach is clear. Such mechanisms only make sense if they serve to protect civilians, guarantee humanitarian assistance, and support lasting peace. Regardless of the label attached to it, any arrangement that fails to serve peace on the ground lacks real meaning,” he continued.
“Once the necessary conditions are in place, Türkiye is ready to shoulder responsibility in contributing to peace in Gaza, including the possibility of a military contribution. And let me repeat: reducing this matter to a debate over ‘which country should or should not be involved’ will not produce a solution. The solution lies in a peace architecture shaped by the right conditions, the right mandate, and the right objectives,” he stressed
“In any arrangement concerning Gaza’s future, the source of legitimacy is the will of the Palestinian people. A lasting solution cannot be established without taking into account the consent and expectations of the Palestinian people,” he stated.
“For Türkiye, our goal in Gaza is to contribute to establishing the conditions necessary for a lasting ceasefire, a just peace, humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and a fair political solution,” he added.
Syria
On the efforts to reach an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Erdoğan replied: “For many years, Syria has paid the heavy costs of war and fragmentation. The positive developments now emerging both on the ground and in diplomacy show that a new political horizon is possible.”
“This path seeks to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity, consolidating national unity, and re-establishing state authority across the country. The way towards a lasting and just peace lies in strengthening a partnership that nurtures common wisdom and common will and acts with a sense of responsibility.”
“The narrowing of conflict zones in Syria, along with the agreements reached and the steps taken toward integration, shows that progress can be made in the right direction. However, for these gains to become permanent, developments on the ground alone are not sufficient; social reconciliation must also be established by strengthening a shared sense of belonging around the central government. Whether in the northeast, the south, or the coastal region, the same applies across Syria,” he noted.
“Our benchmark is clear: a Syria that does not threaten its neighbors, denies safe haven to terrorist organizations, and embraces all segments of society on the basis of equal citizenship is essential for regional stability,” Erdoğan told Asharq Al-Awsat
“For Türkiye, we state that Syria’s future will be shaped by the will of the Syrian people. In this vein, alongside friendly and brotherly countries, foremost among them Saudi Arabia, we will continue to stand by every constructive step that strengthens Syria’s unity, integrity, and stability, both on the ground and at the negotiating table,” he stressed.
Sudan
On Sudan, Erdoğan noted: “The war there has reached its 1,000th day. Unfortunately, our Sudanese brothers and sisters are entering yet another Ramadan amid conflict. Sudan has suffered heavy losses due to this war. The brotherly people of Sudan are striving to survive under the devastating conditions brought about by the civil war.”
“We have supported every diplomatic effort to bring an end to this dire situation as soon as possible and to help Sudan achieve stability and prosperity. We have expressed our readiness to mediate between the conflicting parties,” he said.
“As a highly trusted external actor in Sudan, Türkiye has chosen not to launch separate diplomatic initiatives or add new tracks to existing efforts, but rather to strengthen ongoing processes and contribute to a peaceful resolution. However, I regret to say that, to date, no outcome has been reached that would put an end to the bloodshed and ongoing suffering,” he lamented.
“The Sudanese government and the brotherly people of Sudan have expectations from us. In response to these expectations, and with the participation of all relevant institutions, we have taken steps to restore peace and stability in Sudan and normalize daily life, ensuring the reopening of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) office and the Ziraat Bank branch in Port Sudan.”
“To strengthen our Sudanese brothers’ and sisters’ connection with the outside world, we have launched Turkish Airlines flights to Port Sudan. Since 2024, nine aid vessels that we have dispatched have delivered a total of 12,600 tons of humanitarian aid and 30,000 tents to our Sudanese brothers and sisters. Our cooperation in the fields of agriculture, mining, and energy continues. We are also conducting the necessary assessments regarding the reconstruction of destroyed cities, particularly the capital, Khartoum,” Erdoğan said.
“We undoubtedly value the constructive efforts of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Egypt within the established mechanism, and Türkiye will stand by every step taken towards peace and prosperity and will do whatever is necessary in this regard,” he vowed.
“Furthermore, we will steadfastly continue to advance our concrete proposals and diplomatic initiatives in all international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union.”
“Africa’s problems should be solved by Africans. Türkiye will do its utmost under all circumstances to foster constructive dialogue. The people of Sudan can rest assured that Türkiye stands by them,” he added.
No to recognition of Somaliland
Commenting on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Erdoğan told Asharq Al-Awsat: “During President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia’s visit to our country at the end of last month, we clearly and unequivocally expressed our views on this matter. We emphasized that preserving Somalia’s unity under all circumstances is a priority for us.”
“I would like to underscore that our position remains unchanged,” he added.
“Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is an illegitimate one and, in our view, null and void. Türkiye will continue to fully defend Somalia’s territorial integrity in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he vowed. “Our stance on this matter is entirely principled. Decisions regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region should be made in a way that reflects the will of all Somali people.”
“The Netanyahu Government, committing genocide in Gaza, and, after its attacks against Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar, and Syria, now intends to destabilize the Horn of Africa. This is a major threat not only to the Horn of Africa but to the entire continent,” warned Erdoğan.
“Any step that fails to contribute to resolving the disputes in the region only exacerbates the crisis. For this reason, I highly value statements by regional countries, foremost Saudi Arabia and Egypt, promptly rejecting this decision,” he added.
“Similarly, it is important to note that international organizations such as the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League, as well as officials such as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, have expressed their rejection of the decision. I would like to reiterate that we attach great importance to these statements, which highlight Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
source: commonspace.eu with Asharq al-Awsat (Riyadh)
photo: Turkish President Erdogan met Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh on 3 February 2026.
