President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has launched a two-day regional tour to Saudi Arabia and Egypt on February 3–4, marking his first foreign visit of 2026, according to statements from the Directorate of Communications of the Turkish Presidency.
The tour highlights Türkiye’s renewed diplomatic drive to deepen regional cooperation and reinforce its role as a mediator on key Middle Eastern issues, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and broader regional stability.
Saudi Arabia Visit — February 3
President Erdoğan’s first stop is Saudi Arabia, where he is hosted by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Official statements indicate that talks in Riyadh are focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with emphasis on trade, investment, and defense cooperation. Both sides aim to raise bilateral trade volume from approximately 8 billion dollars to 10 billion dollars.
Regional security issues are also on the agenda, including potential defense cooperation, Turkish defense industry exports to Gulf markets, and discussions on Gaza, developments in Syria, and regional tensions involving Iran.
Egypt Visit — February 4
On Wednesday, President Erdoğan will travel to Cairo for talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
A key component of the visit will be the second meeting of the Türkiye–Egypt High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, co-chaired by the two leaders. The council seeks to institutionalize cooperation and accelerate bilateral engagement following the full normalization of relations between Ankara and Cairo.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is expected to dominate discussions, focusing on securing a permanent ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, and advancing a proposed “Peace Board” initiative for post-war reconstruction in Gaza.
President Erdoğan is also scheduled to attend the Türkiye–Egypt Business Forum, meeting business leaders to promote joint investments and expand commercial ties.
High-Level Delegation
President Erdoğan is accompanied by a senior delegation including First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran, along with ministers responsible for energy, industry, and health.
Regional Significance
Officials describe the tour as part of Türkiye’s broader diplomatic strategy to play a central role in regional mediation. The visits reflect Ankara’s intent to strengthen ties with key regional actors while actively engaging in efforts to address the Gaza conflict and reduce wider regional tensions related to Syria and Iran.
Sources: Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Türkiye, Anadolu Agency, official presidency statements.
