Turkish President Erdogan Visits Saudi Arabia: Key Issues to Watch

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Saudi Arabia on Aug 15 for a scheduled one-day working visit, as described by his office, amid heightened regional tensions. This marks his second trip to the Kingdom this year and his first since the US-Israel war against Iran erupted.

According to a statement from the Turkish Presidency, Erdogan is expected to hold a trilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been in the Kingdom since Thursday on a three-day visit accompanied by Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Turkish Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said the trip focuses on "bilateral relations and regional developments," without providing a specific agenda. However, regional media reported that talks would center on maritime security, the repercussions of the US-Israel war on Iran, and defense cooperation.

Potential Signing of a Joint Defense Treaty

The visit comes amid widespread reports that the three nations could formalize an alliance. A source close to the Saudi military told AFP that the leaders of the three countries are expected to sign a joint defense agreement in Jeddah on Friday. A Turkish intelligence source indicated that the basic terms of the treaty have already been agreed upon by all three parties.

If confirmed, the deal could extend the Joint Strategic Defense Treaty signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025, which treats an attack on one as an attack on both, into a trilateral framework including Turkey. However, none of the three governments has publicly confirmed this information, and the visit may also conclude with a more modest joint statement.

Heated Regional Context

The visit comes a week after Saudi Arabia announced a multinational maritime security initiative to protect shipping through the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The coalition has received support from 14 countries, including Turkey and Pakistan.

The trip also follows months of instability in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israel war on Iran, in which Pakistan has played a mediating role. Iran has retaliated against US and Israeli attacks by launching missiles and drones at military bases with US personnel across the region, as well as targeting hotels and energy facilities in Gulf states.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is confronting heightened tensions with Yemen's Houthi forces, as the two sides have repeatedly exchanged attacks in recent weeks. The group has targeted Saudi vessels in the Red Sea.

Previous Visit and Commitments

During his previous visit in February, Ankara and Riyadh issued a joint statement committing to strengthen economic, energy, and security cooperation. The two sides reaffirmed their desire to consolidate and develop defense relations to serve their mutual interests, contributing to regional security and stability through multilateral cooperation platforms.

They also expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza and the internationally recognized government in Yemen, while rejecting Israel's recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region in Somalia. Both nations affirmed their firm support for Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.