Saudi Arabia to host exhibition of Turkish products as relations thaw

Saudi Arabia has planned an exhibition for Turkish export products in a sign of growing normalisation between the two countries after three years of fraught relations. 

The exhibition will be organised by the General Secretariat of the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters’ Association under the auspices of the Turkish trade ministry and take place between 19 and 21 March. 

Companies from various sectors, including houseware, furniture, product packaging, medicines and fashion will be showcasing their wares during the exhibition. 

Officials expect the exhibition will significantly boost Turkish exports following an effective import ban on Turkish goods entering the kingdom.

The exhibition highlights deepening relations between the two countries as Saudi Arabia and Turkey prepare to raise the volume of trade between their countries.

The improvement in relations comes after years of hostility between Ankara and Riyadh on a number of issues. 

Turkey supported Qatar when Saudi Arabia and its allies imposed an economic blockade in 2017, and developed trade and military ties with Qatar. 

A year later, the horrific murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul further soured relations. 

In 2020, Saudi Arabia unofficially banned all Turkish imports, and reportedly reduced the volume of trade between the two countries by 98 percent. 

Ties have improved in 2022, and Riyadh has since ended the embargo and has sought to deepen its relationship with Ankara.