RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen and enhance their defense relations. “This is in a way that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to achieving security and stability in the region, including through multilateral cooperation platforms,” both countries said in a joint statement, issued at the conclusion of the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the Kingdom. The two countries agreed on the need to activate the agreements signed between the two countries in the areas of defense cooperation.During the visit, Erdogan held extensive talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Tuesday. The two leaders held a session of official talks during which they reviewed the historical relations between the two countries and ways to further strengthen them in all fields. In the joint statement, the two countries emphasized the importance of enhancing existing security cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest, including combating crime in all its forms, countering extremism and terrorism and their financing, exchanging expertise and training, and strengthening cooperation in the field of cybersecurity in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their national security. In the economic, trade, and investment sectors, both sides commended the strength of the economic ties between the two countries and agreed on further strengthening them, particularly in sectors of mutual priority. They also agreed to capitalize on the investment opportunities offered by the Saudi Vision 2030 and Century of Türkiye Vision, for the mutual benefit of both economies. They praised the level of trade exchange and stressed the importance of continued joint efforts to develop the non-oil trade volume, intensify mutual visits between officials in the public and private sectors, and hold trade events in both countries through the Saudi-Turkish Business Council. They emphasized the importance of finalizing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Türkiye. Both sides commended the level of mutual investments, including Saudi investments in Türkiye in the fields of finance, insurance, renewable energy, real estate, manufacturing, and services. They also commended the vital role of Turkish companies operating in Saudi Arabia in various fields, including engineering, construction, real estate development, and manufacturing industry. The Saudi side commended the projects implemented by Turkish construction and consulting firms in Saudi Arabia. Both sides also commended the positive outcomes of the Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum held in Riyadh on Tuesday, which witnessed broad participation from major companies from both countries. The forum showcased promising investment opportunities and the exchange of expertise in various fields, including tourism and hospitality, construction, communications and information technology, and life sciences and healthcare.In the energy sector, both sides emphasized the importance of their respective roles in making significant contribution to the energy supply of their region and global markets. The Turkish side noted the Kingdom's leading role in enhancing the reliability and stability of global oil markets in a way that serves the interests of producers and consumers and supports global economic growth. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of oil, oil derivatives, and petrochemical supply, and to work together to exploit investment opportunities in the petrochemical and agricultural nutrients sectors, as well as to cooperate on innovative uses of hydrocarbons. Both sides affirmed their desire to enhance cooperation in the fields of electricity and renewable energy, leveraging both countries’ extensive experience in renewable energy integration and the Kingdom’s large-scale energy investments. Both sides welcomed exploring opportunities for cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen, developing technologies related to its transport and storage, and exchanging expertise and experiences to implement best practices in clean hydrogen. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the exploration, extraction, and processing of mineral resources. They also emphasized the importance of international cooperation and joint ventures in critical minerals to ensure the security of supply chains essential for the global energy transition. The two sides welcomed the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit, covering various fields including energy, justice, space, and research and development and innovation.Both Sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination and intensified efforts to maintain international peace and security. They exchanged views on issues of mutual concern at the regional and international levels, and emphasized their determination to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination on these matters, as well as their continued support for all efforts aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region and the world. The two sides conducted a comprehensive exchange of views on regional developments; they expressed their concerns regarding conflicts, tensions, and the risk of further escalation in the region, and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation. In this context, they affirmed their support for collective initiatives aimed at ensuring regional stability, peace, and prosperity. Saudi Arabia and Turkiye expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing Israeli aggression, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid and border crossings. They stressed the importance of intensifying relief efforts in Gaza and pushing for the unimpeded opening of all crossings to ensure the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza Strip. They also emphasized the need for the international community to pressure the Israeli occupation authorities to guarantee the protection of civilians, refrain from targeting vital infrastructure, and adhere to international law and international humanitarian law. Both sides welcomed their countries' joining Board of Peace to support the peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump. They welcomed the launch of the second phase of the comprehensive peace plan in Gaza and the commencement of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.Both countries affirmed their support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the president of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen and his government. They stressed the importance of preserving Yemen's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. They emphasized the necessity of confronting any attempts to divide Yemen or support internal entities within it that seek to undermine its security and stability.On the Syrian issue, both sides commended the efforts of the Syrian government and the responsible steps and measures it has taken to preserve Syria's security, stability, and territorial integrity.