Turkey and Saudi Arabia Sign Visa Exemption Deal

Key facts

• Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers met in Ankara on Wednesday.
• A reciprocal visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders was signed.
• The meeting was the third session of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council.
• Bilateral trade volume reached $8.5 billion by the end of 2025.
• The Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council was established in 2016.
• The first council meeting occurred in Ankara in 2017.
• The second council meeting took place in Riyadh in May 2025.

Diplomatic Accord Marks Third Bilateral Council Meeting

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud convened in Ankara on Wednesday, marking the third gathering of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council. This high-level engagement underscored a deepening relationship between the two nations, culminating in the signing of a significant reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and special passports. The council serves as a crucial platform for aligning strategies and fostering cooperation on a spectrum of bilateral and regional matters. The presence of relevant ministries and institutions from both countries highlighted the comprehensive nature of the discussions. This diplomatic initiative signals a renewed commitment to strengthening ties, building upon recent years of flourishing bilateral relations and enhanced cooperation across various international forums.

Broad Agenda Covers Strategic Sectors and Regional Stability

The discussions between Minister Fidan and the Saudi delegation, led by Prince Faisal bin Farhan, spanned critical areas of mutual interest. Committee work was reviewed across strategic sectors including trade, energy, defense, education, culture, tourism, and transportation, all within an established institutional framework. Beyond bilateral cooperation, the ministers addressed pressing regional issues, with particular attention paid to the ongoing situation in Gaza. This demonstrates a shared concern for geopolitical stability and a willingness to coordinate approaches on international challenges. The agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and special passport holders is expected to facilitate smoother travel and further enhance official interactions between the two governments.

Economic Ties Show Robust Growth

The economic dimension of the bilateral relationship was a key focus, with both sides acknowledging the substantial growth in trade. As of the close of 2025, the bilateral trade volume had surged to $8.5 billion, reflecting increased commercial activity and investment. This economic momentum is underpinned by the broader framework of cooperation established through the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council. The council's five subcommittees, covering politics, diplomacy, military and security, culture, sports, media, tourism, social development, health, education, commerce, industry, investment, infrastructure, and energy, provide a structured approach to deepening engagement. Minister Fidan expressed optimism that the agreements reached would yield tangible benefits for both Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, pointing towards continued economic expansion and collaborative ventures.

A History of Structured Engagement

The Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council, established in 2016, has a history of structured dialogue aimed at institutionalizing cooperation. Its inaugural meeting took place in Ankara in 2017, setting the stage for subsequent high-level engagements. The second meeting of the council was held in Riyadh in May 2025, indicating a reciprocal commitment to hosting these vital discussions. Wednesday's meeting in Ankara represented the latest step in this ongoing process. Through these regular consultations and the work of its various subcommittees, the council aims to systematically address shared interests and foster a more integrated partnership between the two nations.

The bottom line

• Turkey and Saudi Arabia have signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders.
• The third meeting of the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council convened in Ankara.
• Discussions covered strategic sectors like trade, energy, and defense, alongside regional issues including Gaza.
• Bilateral trade volume reached $8.5 billion by the end of 2025.
• The Coordination Council, established in 2016, facilitates structured cooperation between the two countries.
• The agreement is expected to bolster official interactions and mutual benefits.