RIYADH : Saudi-owned MBC Group, the Middle East's largest broadcaster, said on Wednesday it had signed a five-year partnership with two Turkish production houses, signalling an end to an unofficial boycott imposed on Turkey by Saudi Arabia as the two countries work to improve ties.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey were at loggerheads during the 2011"Arab Spring" over Ankara's support for political Islamist groups deemed a threat to the region's system of rule. But relations started to warm this year following huge diplomatic efforts by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, also extended to Saudi Arabia's regional allies, as Turkey's economy struggles with a slumping lira and soaring inflation that could threaten Erdogan's chances in elections planned by June 2023.
MBC said Medyapim and Ay Yapim's content would be available to MBC channels and its online Shahid platform on their airing dates in Turkey.