Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will travel to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, marking the culmination of a month-long trip to improve relations with Riyadh, including the withdrawal of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. Erdogan’s office has said it will discuss assassination tactics to increase economic and other cooperation with the Gulf state during his two-day visit at the invitation of Saudi King Salman. Analysts and officials say Saudi support could help Turkey alleviate its economic woes, including inflation, ahead of Erdogan’s tough election next year.
Relations between the two countries became strained after Khashoggi’s assassination and he was cut off by a Saudi military team at the state consulate in Istanbul in 2018. At the time, Erdogan blamed the “high levels” of the Saudi government for issuing orders, but Ankara has since softened its voice. In a dramatic change of policy, Turkey this month suspended and appealed its Saudi murder charges against Saudi Arabia over a decision condemned by human rights groups.
Earlier this week Erdogan’s planned trip, where he is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the state governor. Ankara hopes the visit will completely end Saudi Arabia’s illegal immigration strike, set in 2020 amid a war of words over Khashoggi’s case. The boycott has reduced Turkey’s imports by 98%.
Turkey’s top official said there was a “very positive” spirit ahead of the trip, adding: “The foundation is ready to re-engage in trade, investment and regional affairs.”
The trip comes as Muslims celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and as Turkey faces an economic collapse caused by war between its neighbors in the Black Sea Ukraine and Russia. The Turkish economy has been aging for years and the lira crisis has erupted in late 2021 due to an unusual monetary policy backed by Erdogan that sent inflation higher than 60%.
Turkey wants Saudi Arabia to join an existing $ 28 billion exchange network already involving China, South Korea, Qatar and the UAE. It also looks at investments and contracts similar to those awarded in Abu Dhabi, officials said. Erdogan’s trip is part of a broad-based approach to redressing tensions between Turkey and the rest of the region, including Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Politicians and analysts say communication talks are needed to help ease economic and political pressures after Turkey’s policies in Syria, Libya and elsewhere in recent years have left a lasting impression. ” maybe $ 10 billion – $ 20 billion would be something worthwhile. “
READ ALSO : Nokia results exceed 5G demand during supply chain shortages
