Saudi Arab-Turkey On Full Normalization Of Ties

Web Desk — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on a historic Turkey visit for the first time in years on Wednesday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan aimed at full normalization of ties, ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

In April, Erdogan visited Saudi Arabia after a months-long drive to normalize relations between the two major regional powers, including dropping the trial over Khashoggi’s 2018 murder in Istanbul.

Erodgan held one-on-one talks with MbS raising the possibility of Saudi investments to help relieve Turkey’s beleaguered economy.

Erdogan said last week he and Prince Mohammed, Riyadh’s de facto leader, would discuss “to what much higher level” they can take ties during talks in Ankara.

The visit is expected to bring “a full normalization and a restoration of the pre-crisis period,” a senior Turkish official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. “A new era will begin.”

The official said negotiations on a possible currency swap line – which could help restore Turkey’s diminished foreign reserves – were not moving “as fast as desired” and will be discussed privately between Erdogan and Prince Mohammed.

Agreements on energy, economy, and security would be signed during Prince Mohammed’s visit, while a plan was also in the works for Saudi funds to enter capital markets in Turkey, the person added.

Prince Mohammed is on his first tour outside the Gulf region in over three years including a visit to Jordan.

Ties between Ankara and Riyadh cratered after a Saudi hit squad killed and dismembered Khashoggi in 2018 at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul. Erdogan at the time blamed it on the “highest levels” of the Saudi government.

Ankara has since stopped all criticism and halted its murder trial in April, transferring the case to Riyadh in a move condemned by human rights groups and criticized by opposition parties for trading honour for monetary gains.

The visit comes at a time when Turkey’s economy is badly strained by a slumping lira and inflation soaring beyond 70%. Saudi funds and foreign currency could help Erdogan shore up support ahead of tight elections by June 2023, analysts say.

The leaders will also discuss the possible sale of Turkish armed drones to Riyadh, the person added.