Saudi and Turkish Military Chiefs Hold High-Level Talks in Riyadh, Reaffirming Defense Cooperation

High-Level Military Dialogue Concludes in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – High-level military talks were successfully concluded in the Saudi capital on Thursday, December 11, 2025, between the chiefs of staff of Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The meeting saw Turkish General Staff Chief Selcuk Bayraktaroglu engage with his Saudi counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional developments.

General Bayraktaroglu arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for the strategic meeting and was received with a military ceremony in Riyadh.

Discussions on Bilateral and Regional Issues

The talks commenced with a bilateral discussion between the two military leaders, followed by an expanded session that included their respective delegations. The agenda focused on enhancing military cooperation and coordinating strategies concerning various regional developments. Both nations emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to foster stability and security in the broader region.

Reaffirmation of Defense Cooperation

A significant outcome of the high-level military dialogue was the signing of a final report by officials from both countries. This document serves to reaffirm and solidify the existing defense cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The meeting underscores a growing trend of collaboration between Ankara and Riyadh in the defense sector, which has seen several high-level exchanges and agreements in recent years.

Context of Strengthening Defense Ties

The recent talks are part of an ongoing effort by both nations to deepen their strategic partnership, particularly in military and defense industries. General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu assumed his role as the Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces on August 5, 2025. Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili has served as the Chairman of the General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces since 2018.

Previous engagements have included discussions on military capabilities, technology transfer, and scientific research development, with a focus on localizing defense industries in Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030. This commitment to defense collaboration highlights a shared vision for regional security and self-reliance in military production.