Türkiye-Saudi Arabia Transportation and Logistics Cooperation Agreements (June 2026)

Türkiye-Suudi Arabistan transportation and logistics cooperation is a collaborative process institutionalized through agreements signed on 9 June 2026 between the two countries in the fields of railway and logistics services, aiming to develop regional transportation networks.

The agreements signed between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye and the General Authority for Transport of Suudi Arabistan have expanded the institutional framework of transportation relations between the two countries. The agreements cover a broad range of areas including railway transportation, development of logistics centers, technology sharing and educational activities.

Transportation relations between Türkiye and Suudi Arabistan have developed for many years through road transportation, trade and logistics activities. It has been noted that annual mutual transport volumes between the two countries reached approximately 20,000 before 2012. However, regional political developments security concerns and disruptions along transport corridors led to a decline in transportation activities in subsequent years.

In the mid-2020s both countries initiated efforts to revive transportation cooperation. In this context the reactivation of road routes connecting Türkiye to the Gulf countries became a priority.

During discussions between Türkiye and Suudi Arabistan road transportation emerged as one of the key topics. The parties assessed the status of transport routes passing through Syria Jordan and Iraq.

Particular efforts have been made to develop new trade corridors starting from Türkiye and extending through Iraq to Suudi Arabistan. Trial shipments conducted under this initiative demonstrated the feasibility of the route.

The parties have also emphasized the development of transit transportation. The transit network between Türkiye and Suudi Arabistan is intended not only to facilitate bilateral trade but also to strengthen connections between Europe and the Gulf countries. Within this framework the full utilization of existing transit corridors and the establishment of new routes have been prioritized.

One of the most important elements of cooperation between the two countries has been the railway sector. The parties have established a comprehensive cooperation mechanism aimed at developing railway transportation and enabling direct connectivity in the future.

In this context the "Agreement on Cooperation in the Railway Sector" provides a broad framework covering all areas of the railway industry.

Under the agreement joint activities will be carried out in the following areas:

• Railway technical specifications
• Railway technologies
• Innovation initiatives
• Signaling systems
• Communication infrastructure
• Railway digitalization
• Safety and security systems
• Environmental sustainability practices
• Railway engineering
• Infrastructure development activities
• Research and development projects

The agreement also includes provisions for expert exchange technical training programs and information sharing between the two countries.

One of Türkiye's objectives in the railway sector is the revitalization of the historic Hejaz Railway route through modern transportation systems. In this context Türkiye aims to transform the line originally constructed during the Ottoman era into a new trade corridor extending into the Gulf region.

Under the plans the connection of Türkiye's existing railway network to Aleppo will be established followed by the development of a system extending through Damascus Jordan and Suudi Arabistan to the Gulf countries. Long-term goals include extending the line as far as Oman.

This project aims to create alternative trade corridors to the Strait of Hormuz and diversify regional logistics networks.

The second agreement signed between Türkiye and Suudi Arabistan focuses on logistics services.

Under the "Agreement on Cooperation in Logistics Services" the parties have agreed to cooperate on the following areas:

• Establishment of logistics centers
• Operation of logistics facilities
• Development of management systems
• Creation of joint service models
• Experience sharing
• Planning of joint activities

The agreement aims to integrate the logistics infrastructures of the two countries more closely and accelerate trade flows.

The agreements encompass not only transportation activities but also cooperation in human resources and technology.

The parties have agreed to establish partnerships between specialized railway training academies facilitate temporary assignments of experts and share technical knowledge.

Additionally joint efforts are foreseen to develop the railway industry localize ancillary industries transfer technology and harmonize regulatory frameworks.

The agreements were signed by Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu and Suudi Arabistan's Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

The signed documents consist of two separate agreements:

• Agreement on Cooperation in the Railway Sector
• Agreement on Cooperation in Logistics Services

Through these agreements transportation relations between Türkiye and Suudi Arabistan have been placed within a broader institutional framework and a new phase of cooperation has been launched aimed at developing railway logistics and regional transportation networks between the two countries.