RIYADH, Feb 4 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on Wednesday expressed their determination to enhance bilateral cooperation, affirming alignment on several key regional and international issues.
This came in a joint statement issued following the conclusion of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which began on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman and President Erdogan praised the strength of economic ties between their two countries.
The two sides highlighted the level of coordination and cooperation within the framework of the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council, underscoring the importance of completing negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Turkiye.
They agreed to strengthen cooperation in the supply of oil, petroleum products and petrochemicals, as well as in electricity and renewable energy, expressing their commitment to accelerating feasibility studies for electrical interconnection between the two countries.
The statement noted that both sides welcomed discussions on cooperation in clean hydrogen, the development of technologies related to its transport and storage, and the exchange of expertise and best practices. They also agreed on the need to enhance cooperation in developing and sustaining energy supply chains and enabling cooperation between companies in both countries to benefit from local resources, thereby enhancing energy supply resilience and efficiency.
Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to develop applications of the circular carbon economy by promoting policies that use this model as a tool for emissions management and achieving climate change goals.
On defense, the statement said both sides agreed on the necessity of activating signed agreements in defense cooperation and expressed their desire to enhance and develop defense relations in a manner that serves the interests of both countries.
They also emphasized the importance of strengthening existing security cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual concern.
Regionally and Globally, Prince Mohammad bin Salman and President Erdogan exchanged views on issues of common interest, expressing concern over conflicts, tensions and the risks of escalation in the region.
The statement said both sides expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the continued Israeli occupation aggression, obstruction of humanitarian aid entry and the closure of border crossings.
They stressed the importance of intensifying relief efforts in Gaza and pushing for the opening of all crossings without obstacles to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid throughout the Strip. They also called on the international community to pressure the Israeli occupation to protect civilians, refrain from targeting vital facilities, and comply with international law and international humanitarian law.
The two sides affirmed the necessity of solidifying a ceasefire, ending the occupation in Gaza, and paving the way for the return of the Palestinian National Authority to assume its responsibilities in the Strip, leading to the end of the occupation and the realization of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
They also welcomed their countries' membership in the Peace Council, supporting peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump, and welcomed the launch of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza and the commencement of duties by the independent national committee tasked with administering the Strip.
The statement reaffirmed the pivotal and important role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in providing essential services to the Palestinian people. Both sides condemned the Israeli occupation forces' demolition of UNRWA buildings in occupied Jerusalem and rejected all Israeli violations of international norms and laws, calling on the international community to confront these practices and crimes against international humanitarian organizations.
President Erdogan expressed his aspiration to welcome King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Prince Mohammad bin Salman on an official visit to Turkiye at a time convenient for both sides. (end) kns.aa