Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are seeking to broaden cooperation across education, higher learning, scientific research and innovation following an official visit by Saudi Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan to Türkiye on October 26–27.
The visit focused on developing partnerships between educational institutions, universities and research organisations in both countries, with discussions covering academic programmes, student and researcher exchanges, technical training and collaborative scientific projects.
During the visit, Al-Benyan met Turkish Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, with both sides signing a memorandum of understanding intended to support cooperation in the education sector. The agreement marks a step towards strengthening institutional links and expanding opportunities for joint initiatives.
Al-Benyan also held talks with Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, president of Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education (CoHE). The meeting was attended by the heads of several Turkish universities and examined ways to deepen academic engagement between Saudi and Turkish institutions.
Key areas discussed included joint educational programmes, support for Arabic-language learning and exchanges involving students, teaching staff and researchers. The two sides also considered cooperation in technical and vocational education, an area that can help align training with labour-market needs and strengthen professional skills.
The discussions reflected an interest in building more structured links between universities and expanding opportunities for academic collaboration. Such partnerships can support the exchange of expertise, facilitate research cooperation and create pathways for students and faculty members to engage with institutions in both countries.
Scientific research and technological development were also central to the visit. Al-Benyan met Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, president of Türkiye’s Scientific and Technological Research Council, to discuss potential cooperation in research and innovation.
The talks covered the possibility of joint research projects in priority areas, including artificial intelligence, energy and space sciences. The participants also discussed strengthening connections among universities, research centres and technology development zones in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Cooperation in these fields could help research institutions share knowledge, develop collaborative projects and support innovation across emerging technologies. The discussions also align with the broader objective of linking academic research with scientific advancement and technological capabilities.
As part of the programme, Al-Benyan visited the Saudi Cultural Mission in Türkiye, where he met Saudi students enrolled at Turkish universities. He reaffirmed the Education Ministry’s commitment to supporting Saudi students abroad and facilitating their educational experience.
The meeting provided an opportunity to engage directly with students and address the importance of support services during their studies. Saudi students pursuing higher education overseas form part of the Kingdom’s efforts to develop specialised skills and broaden international academic exposure.
The visit underscores the two countries’ intention to strengthen long-term cooperation in education, science and research. By expanding institutional partnerships, promoting exchanges and exploring joint innovation projects, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye aim to support human-capital development and academic excellence while advancing shared priorities.
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