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Turkey, Saudi Arabia Forge New Alliance

  //stocks-investing.news-articles.net/content/202 .. 2/06/turkey-saudi-arabia-forge-new-alliance.html
  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 0:41 GMT by Jerusalem Post
      Locales: SAUDI ARABIA, TURKEY

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Ankara, Turkey - February 6th, 2026 - A significant thaw in relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia is underway, with both nations actively exploring deepened cooperation across critical sectors including energy, defense, and potentially, broader economic partnerships. Following a series of high-level meetings this week, officials from both countries have signaled a firm commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and collaboratively addressing escalating regional challenges. This developing alliance signals a potential reshaping of the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

For years, relations between Ankara and Riyadh were strained by competing regional interests, particularly concerning the conflicts in Syria, Libya, and the aftermath of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, recent diplomatic overtures, culminating in the current discussions, suggest a pragmatic shift in both countries' foreign policy calculations. Several factors appear to be driving this newfound willingness to cooperate. The evolving geopolitical reality of the region, the urgent need for energy security, and a desire for greater regional stability are all playing a role.

Renewable Energy at the Forefront:

The emphasis on renewable energy projects represents a particularly promising avenue for collaboration. Both Turkey and Saudi Arabia are ambitious in their plans to diversify their energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" heavily invests in renewable energy technologies, aiming for a significant increase in renewable energy generation. Turkey, similarly, has committed to expanding its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind power. Joint ventures, potentially focusing on large-scale solar farms in the Saudi desert or wind energy projects leveraging Turkish expertise, could accelerate these transitions and create substantial economic benefits for both nations.

Experts suggest that Saudi Arabia's financial resources, combined with Turkey's established renewable energy sector infrastructure and technological innovation, could create a powerful synergy. This could also extend to the development of green hydrogen production, positioning both countries as key players in the emerging global hydrogen economy. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding potential investments in research and development of new renewable energy technologies, further solidifying this long-term partnership.

Defense Industry Collaboration: A Strategic Alignment

Beyond energy, defense cooperation is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the burgeoning relationship. Turkey has cultivated a robust and increasingly sophisticated domestic defense industry, producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missile systems, and other military hardware. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is a long-time importer of defense equipment, seeking to modernize its armed forces and enhance its regional security.

The potential for increased arms sales from Turkey to Saudi Arabia is substantial, providing a much-needed boost to the Turkish economy, which has faced recent economic challenges. However, the cooperation is expected to go beyond simple transactions. Discussions are focusing on co-development of defense technologies, joint military exercises, and potentially, the establishment of local manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia. This deeper integration of defense industries would not only strengthen Saudi Arabia's military capabilities but also cement Turkey's position as a leading defense supplier in the region.

Geopolitical Implications: A Counterbalance to Regional Powers?

The timing of this renewed cooperation is crucial. The Middle East is currently navigating a complex web of geopolitical tensions, with ongoing conflicts, proxy wars, and the increasing influence of external powers. Some analysts believe that the strengthening ties between Turkey and Saudi Arabia represent an attempt to create a counterbalance to the influence of other regional players, such as Iran and Russia.

"This isn't simply an economic or defense partnership; it's a strategic realignment," explains Dr. Leyla Khan, a Middle East analyst at the Atlantic Council. "Both Turkey and Saudi Arabia are seeking greater autonomy in a region often dominated by external powers. By working together, they can increase their leverage and promote a more stable and predictable regional order."

However, challenges remain. Divergent views on certain regional issues could still create friction. Successfully navigating these differences and building a truly sustainable partnership will require ongoing dialogue and a commitment to mutual respect. Nevertheless, the current momentum suggests that Turkey and Saudi Arabia are poised to play a more prominent and collaborative role in shaping the future of the Middle East.