Muscat : The two nations, bound by a shared history dating back to the 16th century, have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1973. Over the past five decades, the relationship has flourished, with both countries recognizing the potential for deeper cooperation in various fields.
The visit of His Majesty the Sultan, which includes a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is expected to strengthen the bonds between the two nations and support shared interests across multiple sectors.
Both countries have deep-rooted historical connections, with diplomatic ties further solidified in the 1980s when the Sultanate of Oman opened its embassy in Ankara in 1985, followed by Turkey’s embassy in Muscat a year later. These diplomatic efforts have served as a foundation for a robust partnership, particularly in trade and investment.
The trade volume between Oman and Turkey continues to grow, reaching more than RO 216 million (561.6 million US dollars) by the end of August 2024, compared to RO 208 million (540.8 million US dollars) during the same period in 2023. Turkey ranks 17th among the largest recipients of Omani non-oil exports in Europe.
Oman has seen a surge in Turkish investments, with 423 companies registered by the end of 2023, contributing over RO 100 million (267 million US dollars) in capital. Turkish businesses operate across various sectors in Oman, including construction, trade, industry, and logistics. Currently, 36 Omani companies are operating in Turkey, with investments totalling RO 75 million (195 million US dollars).
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance economic ties, the Sultanate of Oman recently hosted a workshop in Ankara on “Investment Incentives in the Sultanate of Oman,” attracting Turkish businessmen eager to explore new business opportunities. Additionally, cooperation in tourism, education, and culture continues to flourish, with agreements on academic exchange, language education, and joint research.
The two nations also share a commitment to preserving their historical ties, as evidenced by a 2010 memorandum of understanding for collaboration on archival matters. The National Records and Archives Authority of Oman and Turkey’s State Archives have worked together to share historical documents, shedding light on centuries of bilateral relations, especially during the Ottoman era. A recent exhibition in Salalah, Oman, entitled “Memory of a Nation,” further highlighted these shared historical connections.
Ambassador of Oman to Turkey, His Excellency Saif bin Rashid Al Jahouri, noted that Sultan Haitham’s visit coincides with both the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and Turkey’s centennial celebrations marking the founding of the Turkish Republic. This visit symbolizes a continued commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and pave the way for a new phase in Oman-Turkey cooperation.
The visit is also expected to yield several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in areas including political, economic, cultural, and defense cooperation. The Joint Committee between Oman and Turkey, established to drive economic and trade relations, is set to hold its next meeting in Muscat in December to further explore opportunities for collaboration in sectors like energy, tourism, manufacturing, and logistics.
Both Oman and Turkey recognize the potential for cooperation in the renewable energy sector, with a focus on solar and wind energy. Additionally, Oman’s strategic location as a gateway to the Arabian Gulf, Asia, and Africa makes it a key partner for Turkey in logistics and trade.
In the energy sector, a significant agreement between Oman LNG and Turkey’s BOTAS company will see Omani liquefied natural gas (LNG) exported to Turkey starting in 2025, enhancing energy security for both nations and fostering further collaboration on energy diversification.
The Sultanate of Oman’s Vision 2040, which prioritizes non-oil sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and tourism, aligns with Turkey’s growth strategy, providing a solid foundation for future cooperation. Both nations aim to strengthen ties not just in trade, but also in areas such as defense, healthcare, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Hakim Oglu of Turkey emphasized, the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq will open new avenues for mutual cooperation and accelerate the pace of high-level visits between business leaders and officials from both countries.
With both nations eager to explore new opportunities, this visit marks a significant milestone in the rich and growing partnership between Oman and Turkey, paving the way for a future of greater collaboration and shared prosperity.
