Türkiye and Saudi Arabia strengthen transport and railway cooperation - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have signed two new cooperation agreements aimed at deepening collaboration in transport, logistics and railway development. The memoranda of understanding mark a significant step in the two countries’ efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and create new trade and transport opportunities across the Middle East.

The agreements were signed by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

According to Uraloğlu, the agreements open a new phase of cooperation covering a broad range of areas, including logistics centres, modern transport applications, technical expertise and infrastructure development.

Focus on logistics and railway development

One of the agreements focuses on cooperation in logistics services. It is designed to facilitate the development of logistics centres, improve operational management, encourage knowledge sharing and support joint projects between the two countries.

The second agreement concentrates on the railway sector, creating a framework for collaboration in areas such as technology, infrastructure, training and human resources.

“In this context, we are launching a new phase that will strengthen the exchange of expertise and technical cooperation across a wide range of areas, from logistics centers to modern applications,” Uraloğlu said.

He added that both countries are working to establish a stronger and more sustainable partnership in the railway sector.

Regional trade routes gain importance

The agreements come as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia seek to expand transport corridors connecting the region. Uraloğlu noted that bilateral transport volumes had reached approximately 20,000 movements annually before 2012.

“Although we currently fall short of that figure due to regional developments, our goal is to take our cooperation beyond even that level,” he said.

Particular attention is being given to transport routes running through Syria, Jordan and Iraq. According to the minister, trial transport operations from Türkiye through Iraq to Saudi Arabia have already demonstrated the viability of the corridor.

“Two test runs starting from Türkiye through Iraq and extending to Saudi Arabia have clearly demonstrated the feasibility of this route,” he said.

Hejaz Railway project remains part of long-term vision

The latest agreements also align with Türkiye’s broader ambitions to strengthen regional rail connectivity. Earlier this month, Uraloğlu outlined plans to modernise the historic Hejaz Railway and eventually extend the network towards Oman.

The project aims to revive the historic railway both as a tourism attraction and as a modern transport corridor. Initial plans focus on connecting Türkiye with Aleppo and linking into the existing rail network extending through Damascus and Jordan, while discussions with Saudi authorities continue.

The Turkish government views the initiative as a potential alternative trade route that could complement existing maritime corridors and support growing economic integration across the region.

“May these steps, which will contribute to the connectivity, trade, and development of our region, bring lasting benefits to both our countries,” Uraloğlu said.

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