Saudi Arabia and Turkey to enhance existing security cooperation between the two countries

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior, met on Thursday with his Turkish counterpart, Mustafa Çifçi, in the Turkish capital, Ankara. The two ministers held an official discussion session, during which Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud confirmed that the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, stress the importance of continuing to strengthen the existing security cooperation between the two countries, in light of the distinguished relations that bind the two countries.

The Saudi Interior Minister pointed out that the established historical and fraternal relations between the two countries have become a model for cooperation and coordination in various fields, stressing that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, reflects the depth of relations between the Kingdom and Turkey and the convergence of interests and strategic directions, in light of the current geopolitical environment, and represents an important step that embodies the wisdom of the leadership of the two countries in the face of crises.

During the session, they discussed ways to enhance security cooperation and coordination in areas of common interest, redouble efforts to confront terrorist and extremist groups, and combat cross-border crimes, including drug smuggling and drug promotion, in light of the challenges witnessed by the region and the world.

The two sides stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries in areas of common interest, developing partnership frameworks, and coordinating efforts regarding security issues, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the leadership of the two countries.

Saudi Arabia expanded the scope of the electronic tourist visa by adding four new countries to the list of countries eligible to obtain it, which are Mexico, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Ministry of Tourism explained that this step comes within the facilities provided to visitors to the Kingdom from various countries of the world, and allows citizens of the added countries to obtain a visit visa for the purpose of tourism electronically.

The tourist visa includes attending events, performing Umrah rituals, visiting exhibitions and conferences, in addition to visiting relatives and friends, in accordance with applicable regulations and instructions.