Saudi Arabia and Turkey Sign Agreement to Boost Railway Cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Turkey have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the railway sector. The agreement, inked in Riyadh, seeks to promote rail transport and diversify supply chain routes, addressing challenges posed by disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

The pact was signed by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh bin Nasser Al Yasser, and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Key areas of collaboration include the development of railway technologies, systems, signaling, and communication solutions. Both nations will also exchange expertise and best practices in the design, operation, and maintenance of railway projects.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030, which aims to position the kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The agreement also supports Saudi Arabia's efforts to establish alternative transport routes for crude oil and energy products, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. This includes leveraging the East-West pipeline to Yanbu on the Red Sea and enhancing the port of Yanbu for potential exports.

Further cooperation will extend to research, development, and innovation in the rail sector, alongside capacity-building programs through expert exchange and specialized training. The memorandum also covers engineering, infrastructure, safety standards, and the adoption of innovative technologies to minimize the environmental impact of the rail industry. This collaboration underscores a broader regional push to enhance connectivity and logistical resilience.