Erdoğan Meets Saudi Crown Prince as Türkiye, Saudi Arabia Sign $2 Billion Solar Energy Deal

According to a statement by Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications, the meeting focused on advancing Türkiye–Saudi Arabia relations across a broad range of sectors, including energy, defense industry, investments, trade, and technology.

President Erdoğan emphasized Türkiye’s determination to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level through new initiatives, particularly in renewable energy and defense industries, highlighting the strategic nature of cooperation between the two countries.

Palestine and Gaza in Focus

The situation in Palestine featured prominently in the discussions. President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to achieving lasting peace in Palestine and contributing to the reconstruction of Gaza. He stressed the urgent need to intensify efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as soon as possible.

Regional Issues: Syria, Yemen, and East Africa

President Erdoğan underlined that preserving Syria’s territorial integrity is not only vital for Türkiye but also for regional stability. He stated that Türkiye would continue supporting Syria’s stability across multiple areas and expressed readiness to work with Saudi Arabia on Syria’s reconstruction.

The leaders also held detailed discussions on the latest developments in Yemen and East Africa, exchanging views on regional security and stability.

Four Agreements Signed, Joint Statement Issued

During the visit, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed four agreements covering cooperation in justice, renewable energy, the peaceful use of outer space, and research, development, and innovation. In addition, a 31-article joint statement outlining the framework for future cooperation was released.

Economic Cooperation and Investment Vision

The joint statement highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties and brotherly relations between the two nations. Both sides praised the strength of economic, trade, and investment relations and agreed to capitalize on opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030 and the Türkiye Century Vision for mutual benefit.

The statement emphasized increasing non-oil trade volume, intensifying mutual visits between public and private sector representatives, and organizing trade activities through the Türkiye–Saudi Arabia Business Council. The importance of finalizing Free Trade Agreement negotiations between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was also underscored.

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia Sign $2 Billion Solar Energy Deal

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed a $2 billion solar energy investment agreement covering 2,000 megawatts of capacity during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to Riyadh. The first phase includes 1,000 MW in Sivas and 1,000 MW in Karaman’s Taşeli region, with electricity to be purchased at €1.99 euro cents per kWh for 25 years, marking Türkiye’s lowest-ever power purchase price. The project is expected to meet the electricity needs of around 2.1 million households, with construction planned to start in 2027.

Energy, Renewables, and Clean Hydrogen Cooperation

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the supply of oil, petroleum products, and petrochemicals, while also exploring investment opportunities in petrochemicals and agri-food sectors.

They committed to enhancing cooperation in electricity and renewable energy, including grid interconnection feasibility studies, energy storage technologies, grid security, automation, and renewable energy projects. Cooperation in energy efficiency, clean hydrogen, and critical minerals was also highlighted as a strategic priority.

Saudi Arabia welcomed Türkiye’s presidency of COP31 and its hosting of the conference in Antalya, while both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

Defense, Security, and Technological Cooperation

In the field of defense and security, the parties agreed on the importance of implementing existing defense cooperation agreements and strengthening ties in a way that contributes to regional security and stability.

They also emphasized cooperation in counterterrorism, combating all forms of crime, cybersecurity, and enhancing coordination through multilateral platforms.

Regional and International Developments

The joint statement reaffirmed the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Both sides expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for unimpeded humanitarian access and adherence to international humanitarian law.

The leaders reiterated support for Yemen’s legitimate government, Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Sudan’s unity and stability, and Syria’s security and territorial integrity. Sanctions on Syria were criticized, and Israel’s violations of Syrian sovereignty were strongly condemned.

They also reaffirmed support for a negotiated solution to the Russia–Ukraine war in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Mutual Invitations and Conclusion

At the conclusion of the visit, President Erdoğan thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their warm hospitality and extended an invitation for them to visit Türkiye. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed his wishes for President Erdoğan’s health and prosperity, and for the continued progress of the Turkish people.