Oman and Türkiye: a relationship on a fruitful path to the future
The state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Türkiye and his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, underscore the commitment of both nations' leadership to fostering mutual interests and expanding avenues of collaboration.
The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye look forward to achieving further milestones in bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, culture and academic matters, as they mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, which began in June 1973.
Historical and Diplomatic Relations
Oman and Türkiye enjoy deep-rooted diplomatic ties and a long, shared history. Oman's Embassy in the Turkish capital Ankara was established in 1985, followed by Türkiye's embassy in Muscat in 1986.
Historically, relations go back to the 16th century, built on a solid foundation of mutual respect and cooperation. In recent years these ties have grown significantly across various sectors.
Economic and Trade Relations
Trade between Oman and Türkiye continues to grow, reaching more than 210 million Omani Rials (USD 56 million) in the first eight months of 2024 – a 4% rise compared the same period in 2023.
The number of Turkish businesses operating in Oman rose to 423 by the end of 2023, with a combined investment value exceeding 100 million Omani Rials (USD 267 million). These companies operate in sectors such as construction, trade, industry, and logistics.
Omani investments in Türkiye include 36 companies with total investments of about 75 million Omani Rials (USD 195 million).
Investment Collaboration
Oman's Embassy in Ankara organised a workshop in December to promote investment opportunities in Oman, attracting Turkish entrepreneurs.
The Oman Investment Authority holds a strategic stake in Kumport Terminal in Istanbul, a key gateway for consumer goods.
This year Oman LNG Company signed an agreement with Türkiye's BOTAS to export liquefied natural gas, marking Oman's entry into the Turkish market, which holds strategic significance for global energy.
Türkiye and Oman are also exploring the establishment of a Turkish industrial zone in Duqm, leveraging Oman's strategic location as a gateway to South Asia and East Africa. This project is expected to create jobs, enhance production, and bolster bilateral economic ties.
The Joint Omani Turkish Committee is a key driver of economic, trade and technical relations between the two countries.
At its last meeting in November, 2022 in Ankara a cooperation protocol was signed between the two friendly countries.
As part of Oman Vision 2040, Oman is prioritising non-oil industries, offering vast opportunities for Turkish businesses. Potential sectors for cooperation include renewable energy, logistics, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Oman is seeking to attract Turkish investments and create diverse partnerships to support the national economy and provide an opportunity to benefit from the expertise and capabilities of Turkish companies, within the strategic framework of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the economy and open its doors to investment.
The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held in Muscat in December, where it will follow up on strengthening trade, technical and investment relations.
Tourism, Education and Culture
Oman and Türkiye aim to boost tourism cooperation through joint events and initiatives. Around 95,000 Omanis visited Türkiye in 2023.
In education, the two nations have signed agreements to exchange scholarships and boost academic collaboration, including the establishment of a Yunus Emre Institute in Muscat and Turkish language courses at Sultan Qaboos University.
In 2010, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of archives, represented by the National Records and Archives Authority in the Sultanate of Oman and the General Directorate of State Archives of the Turkish Prime Ministry.
Oman's historical cultural ties with Türkiye were highlighted through archival projects, such as publications documenting 370 years of relations with the Ottoman Empire.
A recent documentary exhibition, “Memory of a Nation,” showcased the depth of Oman-Türkiye relations.
A bright outlook
Statements released by leading figures ahead of His Majesty’s visit, bear witness to the atmosphere of optimism created by the new era that now beckons in relations between Oman and Türkiye.
Oman's Ambassador to Türkiye, Sheikh Saif bin Rashid Al Jahwari, says that His Majesty's visit will open a new chapter in bilateral relations, with the signing of agreements spanning energy, defence, trade, health, and education.
He adds that this historic visit, the first of its kind in four decades, coincides with Türkiye's centenary celebrations and aligns with President Erdoğan's “Century of Türkiye” vision.
Dr Muhammet Hekimoğlu, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Oman says the Sultanate’s drive to give priority to developing non oil commercial and industrial activities is a great opportunity for Türkiye.
He notes that Oman is the only country in the Gulf region that has open ports offering a major hub that provides great possibilities for Turkish exports to access the markets of South Asia and East Africa
He adds that the agreements which will be signed during the visit will contribute to strengthening and accelerating bilateral relations, which will enhance cooperation between Oman and Türkiye in all fields.
Faisal Al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), says that economic cooperation between Oman and Türkiye has achieved significant growth in recent years.
He adds that the visit will allow Turkish and Omani companies to explore opportunities for fruitful cooperation within a facilitated economic and investment framework, supporting sustainable economic growth, providing job opportunities and enhancing innovation.
Yunus Ateh, Chairman of the Turkish Omani Relations Committee at the Economic Business Council, says Turkish-Omani relations have developed in recent years in an unprecedented manner, based on long years of friendship and joint cooperation.
He adds that the campaign launched by President Erdogan to strengthen relations with the Gulf countries has prioritised relations with the Sultanate whose strategic Oman Vision 2040 intersects with Türkiye's vision.
In summary then, the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Türkiye is a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations. It is expected to pave the way for strategic partnerships, benefiting both countries and fostering mutual prosperity.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the original Arabic text, click here.