A new era between Turkey and Saudi Arabia

Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu met with the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, during his official visit to the country. During the meetings, comprehensive steps were taken toward cooperation in the fields of transport and logistics, which are of close interest to both nations.

The ministers signed two separate memoranda of understanding titled "Cooperation in the Railway Sector" and "Partnership in Logistics Services," establishing a new framework for the development of mutual transport.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Uraloğlu stated, "In this sensitive period our region is going through, the uninterrupted operation of trade and logistics chains has become more critical than ever. Removing obstacles in the transport sector during this period is a strategic necessity."

With the influence of geopolitical developments in the region in recent years, the administrations of both countries have sought common ground to regain momentum in transport activities between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Uraloğlu emphasized that while the number of mutual transport operations, which was approximately 20 thousand per year before 2012, decreased in subsequent years due to regional conditions, their goal is to surpass that level.

The minister also noted that trial shipments starting from Turkey and reaching Saudi Arabia via Iraq have demonstrated the viability of the route.

"Transit transport between our countries offers parties access to Europe and the Gulf region. Therefore, we believe that developing transit transport alongside our bilateral transport is important," said Uraloğlu, adding that the evaluation of existing and potential new routes is ongoing.

Uraloğlu pointed out that in addition to accelerating commercial flow, ensuring safe and stable highway connections is essential for strengthening regional integration and increasing the prosperity of the Gulf region. Regarding railway transport, he underscored the critical importance of establishing a direct connection between the two countries. He also noted that they are open to joint projects in high-speed train systems and railway vehicles.

The "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Logistics Services" signed as a result of the talks aims for the two countries to carry out joint activities in areas such as logistics center investments, the operation and management of services, and the sharing of knowledge and experience. The "Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Railway Sector" targets joint technical and practical work in the field of railways.

With the signatures, Turkey and Saudi Arabia plan to open new opportunities for both bilateral and transit trade by establishing a closer partnership in the transport sector.

News Source: 12punto