In major play for Middle East future, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey seek closer ties

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that strengthening relations between Iran and Turkey has undoubtedly become “more important than ever.”

Iran is doing its utmost to reach out to Turkey during Ankara’s national day. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, on Tuesday on Turkey’s Republic Day, expressing hope for deeper cooperation between the neighboring countries, Iranian state media IRNA reported.

He praised the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. “I sincerely congratulate the friendly and neighboring government and people of Turkey, and my brother Mr. Hakan Fidan,” he said. IRNA noted that “he added that ties between the two Muslim neighbors, based on mutual interests, could further expand ‘in the light of realism and the policy of good neighborliness.’”

At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also sent a message. This shows how seriously Iran takes this issue, as it wants close ties to Turkey and doesn’t want to be completely isolated in the region.

“President Masoud Pezeshkian has sent a message to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to congratulate him and the Turkish nation on the National Day of the Republic of Turkey,” IRNA noted.

The Iranian leader also spoke about the importance of bilateral ties and relations. “The president emphasized that strengthening relations between Iran and Turkey, undoubtedly, has become more important than ever in the current circumstances, noting that the enhanced cooperation will lead to the consolidation of stability, security, and development for the two countries and the region,” the report said.

“Stating that there are many commonalities between the two neighboring countries, Pezeshkian stressed the need for joint efforts and continuous consultations in all economic, political, cultural, and international fields.”

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Emrullah Isler, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, wrote an article inArab News on the occasion of Turkey’s National Day about the importance of ties between Ankara and Riyadh.

“On Wednesday, we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. The young republic, deriving strength from its rich history and culture, as well as following its motto “Peace at home, peace abroad,” took decisive steps toward a democratic, stable, and prosperous Turkey domestically and contributed to stability and peace in the region, as well as at the international level,” he wrote.

Countries share ‘similar perspectives’ on regional issues

He also wrote about how the countries have similarities. “Our countries share similar perspectives on numerous regional issues, such as the implementation of the two-state solution, reconstruction of Syria, maritime security in the Red Sea, and mediation between the conflicting sides in Sudan.

We have a strong common ground on upholding principles of respect for sovereignty and good neighborliness, along with promoting dialogue and diplomacy, to achieve peace and security in the Middle East. Both our nations recognize that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace in Palestine and, together, they engage with the Islamic world to counter aggression against Muslim nations, particularly in the Middle East,” he said.

In addition, he noted that bilateral trade is at a historic high, at around $8 billion a year. The goal is to almost double this. Turkey and Saudi Arabia “are key regional actors that share a commitment to peace, stability, and international law,” he noted.

He also mentioned the importance of potential defense cooperation. This includes joint training and other attempts to increase ties. “As reaffirmed by both countries during various high-level meetings, particularly at defense industry fairs, we are confident that our military cooperation will continue to grow in terms of both scope and depth.

Turkey’s successful defense industry companies offer numerous potential projects that can further advance our partnership with our Saudi brothers. We firmly believe that our cooperation will strengthen even further in the coming period and that we will jointly achieve our shared objectives,” he wrote, signaling Ankara’s desire to have Saudi Arabia as a regional partner.

Additionally, Iran wants Turkey as a partner. This represents a major play for the future of the Middle East.