Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said cemented bilateral relations with the signing of 10 agreements during the Sultan’s historic first visit to Turkey on 28th November 2024. The agreements, which span critical sectors such as trade, energy, health, and defence, mark a significant milestone in Türkiye-Oman relations. The agreements were signed in an official ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, showcasing the nations’ commitment to deepening their ties across multiple domains.
The Sultan’s visit marks the first by an Omani head of state to Türkiye, symbolizing a new era of partnership. Haitham called for a collaborative approach to fostering a secure and cooperative environment in the region. “This visit underlines the depth of historical and strategic ties between our nations,” Erdogan remarked, describing the agreements as the foundation for a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and water highlights the shared ambition to foster sustainable development. Economic goals were at the forefront of the discussions, with President Erdogan emphasizing the importance of increasing the bilateral trade volume to $5 billion, reflecting untapped potential. Energy was a key area of focus, with a landmark agreement on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Starting in 2025, Oman will supply LNG to Türkiye, signalling a new phase in their energy cooperation. “This marks a significant step in enhancing our energy security and diversifying our energy resources,” Erdogan noted.
Defence and Strategic Partnerships
The agreements also included initiatives on military assistance and joint ventures in defence, reflecting both nations’ growing strategic alignment. These steps aim to enhance regional stability and strengthen bilateral security cooperation.
Shared Vision on Regional and Global Issues
Sultan Haitham praised Türkiye’s proactive stance on international issues, highlighting the alignment of their diplomatic goals. “Oman would like to express our support for Türkiye’s stance on international issues concerning our region,” he said.
With the agreements now signed, both countries are poised to accelerate initiatives, particularly in trade and energy. The LNG project is expected to bolster Türkiye’s energy resilience, while expanded trade ties will provide significant economic benefits to both nations.
In the diplomatic arena, Türkiye and Oman are set to continue their joint advocacy for peace in the Middle East and a strengthened multilateral approach to regional issues. This landmark visit underscores the evolving role of Türkiye and Oman as key players in Middle Eastern diplomacy and economic development. The agreements not only deepen bilateral ties but also position both nations as influential voices advocating for stability and justice in the region. As the world watches the outcomes of this strengthened partnership, Türkiye and Oman are expected to emerge as central figures in shaping a more cooperative and prosperous Middle East.
