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The Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman hosted Murat Kurum, who serves as president-designate of COP31, for wide-ranging talks on strengthening bilateral and multilateral climate cooperation. The ministers examined ways to advance the core objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change together with the Paris Agreement. Their discussions sought to deliver inclusive and practical results that fully account for the distinct national circumstances of all participating countries.
Saudi Arabia used the occasion to outline its expanding portfolio of climate programs, the ministry stated. Initiatives under review included a major push to increase renewable energy capacity across the kingdom and the Saudi Green Initiative focused on managing, reducing and removing emissions. The circular carbon economy model and its supporting technologies also featured prominently in the exchange as a comprehensive framework for addressing climate impacts.
The meeting further touched on two major Saudi-hosted gatherings slated for the fourth quarter of 2026, according to the ministry. Both the Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation will bring together global partners to accelerate innovation and deployment of clean technologies. These events are positioned to feed directly into preparations for the larger COP31 gathering later in the year.
Turkey secured the right to host COP31 in Antalya after reaching a compromise with Australia that resolved a prolonged bidding impasse, the BBC reported in November 2025. Murat Kurum has since outlined a five-point priority agenda for the presidency that places heavy emphasis on turning existing commitments into measurable implementation, Anadolu Agency noted in March 2026. The Turkish minister has repeatedly stressed that effective climate measures can support rather than hinder inclusive economic growth.
Saudi Arabia has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, a target the government has incorporated into its long-term economic diversification strategy. Turkey maintains its own goal of carbon neutrality by 2053 and has intensified preparatory consultations with domestic stakeholders and international partners. The Riyadh meeting reflects a pattern of bilateral engagement between the two countries aimed at bridging positions before the high-stakes multilateral negotiations begin.
Kurum’s role as COP31 president-designate gives the discussions added weight as both sides work to shape an agenda that balances ambition with pragmatism. The Saudi side highlighted its leadership in regional and global forums as evidence of its commitment to collective action on climate issues. Additional coordination is expected in the coming months as the November summit approaches.
