Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formally welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on February 3, 2026, marking a significant moment in the continued normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The visit, Erdoğan’s first official state trip to the Kingdom in more than two years, was highlighted by a grand ceremonial reception featuring motorcades, honor guards, and the display of both nations’ flags.

Footage from the palace showed a highly choreographed welcome underscoring the importance Riyadh places on the renewed partnership. The reception confirmed the visit’s status as a full state engagement and reflected growing diplomatic momentum between the two regional powers after years of strained ties.

The meeting builds on reconciliation efforts launched in 2022, when Saudi Arabia and Turkey moved to repair relations following the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Since then, bilateral cooperation has steadily expanded, with trade between the two countries reaching approximately $7.7 billion in 2023, signaling tangible progress beyond symbolic gestures.

Both governments have emphasized shared commitments to regional stability, international peace, and security coordination. The renewed dialogue comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, where cooperation among influential regional actors is increasingly viewed as essential to counter instability, manage conflicts, and protect strategic interests.

Erdoğan’s visit to Riyadh highlights Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic strategy under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, positioning the Kingdom as a central power broker capable of resetting relationships and fostering pragmatic partnerships. As Saudi-Turkish engagement continues to deepen, the visit signals a sustained effort by both sides to move past past tensions and focus on economic growth, security cooperation, and regional influence.