President Erdogan to visit Saudi Arabia amid Iran-Israel tension
Turkish President and Leader of the Justice and Development (AK) Party Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during his party's group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara, Turkiye on October 9, 2024. (Osmancan Gurdogan - Anadolu Agency)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to make a one-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on October 13, according to information obtained from Turkish authorities.
The visit comes shortly after his participation in the United Nations General Assembly in the United States last month.
The specific agenda of the visit has not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries amid regional tensions.
Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Albania
Before heading to Saudi Arabia, President Erdogan will travel to Albania on October 10 to attend the opening of the Namazgah Mosque in the capital, Tirana. The mosque is considered the largest in the Balkans, and the opening ceremony is expected to draw significant attention from local and regional leaders.
Strengthening Türkiye-Saudi Arabia relations
President Erdogan’s visits come at a time of heightened diplomatic efforts between Turkiye and both Saudi Arabia and Albania. His trip to Saudi Arabia follows recent regional developments and tensions, particularly the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, which has been impacting the broader Middle East.
Also today Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is headed to Saudi Arabia for talks on efforts to end Israeli attacks on Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
