Erdoğan, Bin Salman Talk Somalia, Yemen

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

The two leaders discussed regional and international developments. They focused on the situations in Somalia and Yemen.

President Erdoğan stressed the importance of protecting the territorial integrity of both countries to maintain regional stability. He said Türkiye is ready to help bring the sides in Yemen together.

Yemen has seen a sharp rise in tensions in recent days. Forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which supports southern secession, took control of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra in early December. These two provinces make up nearly half of Yemen’s land area and border Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has accused the United Arab Emirates of encouraging STC military actions near its southern border. The UAE has rejected the allegation.

The STC says southern regions have long been politically and economically marginalized and calls for separation. Yemen’s government denies this and insists on preserving national unity.

During the call on Sunday evening, Erdoğan also spoke about Gaza. He said Türkiye is working for a lasting ceasefire and the reconstruction of the area, warning that humanitarian conditions are worsening as winter continues.

Erdoğan added that Ankara aims to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia and plans to take further steps in the coming days.