Riyadh: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Tuesday afternoon to begin his official visit to the Kingdom. He was received at King Khalid International Airport by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh, alongside other notable figures including Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, the Saudi Ambassador to Ankara, and Emrullah Isler, the Turkish Ambassador to Riyadh.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Erdogan is accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, and Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Ozdemir Aktas, among others. In addition, a large number of Turkish investors and businessmen are part of the delegation, emphasizing the economic focus of the trip.

The Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum commenced earlier in the day in Riyadh, setting the stage for Erdogan’s visit. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih highlighted the significance of Erdogan’s visit, expressing aims to elevate bilateral relations to a new level of partnership. The forum hosted a Turkish trade delegation of over 200 companies, emphasizing the intent to strengthen trade, economic, and investment ties with Saudi Arabia.

Al-Falih noted that the presence of Turkish companies and regional offices showcases the depth of the strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing economic cooperation and the crucial role of the private sector. Erdogan’s itinerary includes a scheduled visit to Cairo following the conclusion of his engagements in Saudi Arabia.