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The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi held separate meetings with Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli and Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş. These talks occurred on the sidelines of the second edition of the Global Social Responsibility Forum 2026 hosted at the Sofitel Hotel in Riyadh from October 5 to 6. Al-Rajhi was joined by Vice Minister for Social Development Badr bin Ibrahim Al-Suwailem and other senior officials during the Singapore session. The ministry said the encounters focused on mutual interests and ways to expand partnerships.
According to the ministry the discussions with Zulkifli reviewed areas of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Singapore while identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships through the exchange of expertise in priority social fields. The two sides examined the work of the Social Development Human Resources and Culture Committee that stems from the Saudi-Singapore Strategic Partnership Council. They also explored ways to advance joint initiatives that support shared interests for both countries. A ministry statement noted that the meetings contributed to reinforcing existing relations.
The ministry further detailed that the talks addressed activating a memorandum of understanding in social development signed between the two countries in February 2026. This agreement is intended to facilitate greater collaboration and the sharing of practices in multiple social areas to develop related programs and initiatives. Discussions extended to the empowerment and care of persons with disabilities programs for the elderly and protection from domestic violence. Both parties reviewed prospects for exchanging best practices to improve the quality of social services.
In a separate meeting Al-Rajhi conferred with Göktaş on a similar range of topics in social development the Saudi Press Agency reported. The Turkish minister participated in the same forum allowing for a direct exchange on successful experiences and practices in key social files. The conversation explored opportunities to expand cooperation between the ministries in a manner that builds on prior engagements. Officials from both sides expressed interest in furthering these dialogues.
Ministry records show that a subcommittee on social development health and education under the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council met in April 2026 via video conference. That session chaired by Saudi Vice Minister Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain and his Turkish counterpart focused on bilateral relations and the preparation of a comprehensive action plan. The plan encompasses initiatives across social development and related sectors. The recent Riyadh meetings appear to continue that momentum according to the ministry.
The Global Social Responsibility Forum has served as a platform for high-level exchanges among participating nations on social responsibility issues. Saudi Arabia has pursued such partnerships to align with broader goals in human resources and social advancement the ministry indicated. These latest discussions yielded pathways for future collaboration and knowledge transfer in the social sector.
