Oman and Türkiye forge growing partnership across multiple sectors

Oman Monday 20/October/2025 17:22 PM
By: ONA
Oman and Türkiye forge growing partnership across multiple sectors

Muscat: The bilateral relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye is distinguished by a strong alignment across multiple domains, including diplomacy, economy, military affairs, investment, trade, and culture. This partnership was significantly reinforced by the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to the Republic of Türkiye last November, underscoring a mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in all sectors.

The state visit to the Sultanate of Oman by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye on Wednesday, undertaken at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, marks a significant step in advancing bilateral relations and opening new horizons for economic and investment cooperation, reflecting the importance of the deep-rooted and close ties between the two nations.

During his visit to Türkiye, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik commended Türkiye's supportive stances on Arab and regional issues, underscoring the profound fraternal relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation across various fields of mutual interest, particularly in politics, economy, military and defence, science and technology, education, culture, energy, and tourism.

Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening economic relations by increasing trade volume and encouraging joint investments, while expressing optimism for the success of the twelfth session of the Joint Economic Committee, which was held in Muscat in December 2024.

Saif bin Rashid Al Jahwari, Oman's Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye, stated in remarks to the Oman News Agency (ONA) that bilateral relations are built upon a historical connection spanning over three centuries, defined by cooperation and mutual respect. These characteristics have consistently formed the foundation of Omani-Turkish relations in the modern era, which are distinguished by continuous dialogue and consultation on numerous regional and international issues since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 28 June 1973. The subsequent creation of the Political Consultations Committee between the two foreign ministries on 4 May 1999, further institutionalised this cooperation in the political sphere.

The ambassador added that the steady exchange of high-level visits over the past five decades underscores the commitment of both nations' leadership to sustaining a relationship founded on joint cooperation and mutual respect. This tradition includes the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Turgut Özal on 9-10 November 1986; an official visit by former President Süleyman Demirel on 14-16 December 1997; an official visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (then Prime Minister) in September 2005; and an official visit by President Abdullah Gül on 12-14 April 2010.

The state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Republic of Türkiye on 28-29 November 2024 marked the first official visit at this level in the modern history of Omani-Turkish relations. In a reciprocal step, Oman is set to host a state visit by the President of the Republic of Türkiye beginning on Wednesday, aimed at advancing bilateral relations through substantive dialogue and consultation across all fields. This high-level engagement is designed to achieve common interests, facilitate discussions between the two countries' leadership, and exchange views on the overall situation and developments in the region and the world.

The ambassador noted that His Majesty the Sultan's visit to the Republic of Türkiye successfully culminated in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding to frame economic cooperation in areas including entrepreneurship, labour and employment, health, banking, and agriculture. The most prominent outcome was the establishment of a $500 million joint investment fund, marking the inception of an investment partnership designed to serve both nations' economies. The tangible results of this partnership are anticipated to materialize in the coming period through increased investment volume and trade exchange between the two friendly countries.

He explained that the twelfth session of the Omani-Turkish Joint Committee, held in Muscat on 18-19 December 2024, advanced cooperation in several fields including transport and logistics, agriculture, industry, tourism, and higher education. The parties also agreed to discuss memoranda of understanding covering special economic zones and free zones, standards and metrology, industrial collaboration, technical cooperation between their central banks, and scientific and technological cooperation between Oman's Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Türkiye's Scientific and Technological Research Council. Additionally, they discussed developing an executive program to implement the previously signed memorandum of understanding in tourism.

The ambassador noted that the Republic of Türkiye advanced to become the 11th largest destination for non-oil Omani exports in 2024, up from 17th place in 2023, ranking as the largest recipient of such exports in Europe according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information. The number of registered companies with Turkish participation in Oman reached 597 by the end of 2024, a 55% increase from 385 companies in 2023. Turkish invested capital in Oman grew by 36.7% to approximately OMR56 million in 2024, up from OMR41 million the previous year, reflecting significantly heightened interest from Turkish businesses in establishing a presence in the Sultanate. Turkish companies in Oman are now active across diverse sectors including construction, wholesale and retail trade, industry, and logistics.

He affirmed that numerous opportunities exist to expand trade between the two countries, supported by their strong economic growth rates and ongoing efforts to eliminate non-tariff barriers through a prospective free trade agreement currently under negotiation between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Republic of Türkiye.

The ambassador said that the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye enjoy many economic potentials that can be utilised to represent a solid economic partnership in the future, including, but not limited to, benefiting from the geographical locations of both countries to access large commercial markets, where the Turkish private sector can utilise Omani free zones and ports to access African and Asian markets, while the Omani private sector can benefit from Turkish industrial zones and ports to access European and Central Asian markets. Both countries can also benefit from commercial and economic transport corridor projects between the region and global markets through both countries' strategic ports via international trade routes, and utilising green energy through the significant potentials both countries possess in renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, where they can cooperate in establishing industrial projects based on clean energy sources in line with future industrial trends in many global markets.

The mining sector, which is one of the economic priorities for the Sultanate of Oman according to "Oman Vision 2040," can also be utilized, as the Republic of Türkiye is among the countries with rich experience in this sector, thanks to the large reserves it possesses of minerals such as copper, zinc, and feldspar, according to data from the Turkish Ministry of Trade, while the Sultanate of Oman possesses many important minerals that can be utilised through partnerships between the two countries in the private sector.

In the cultural aspect, the ambassador said that the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye are connected by historical relations and civilizational communication in many cultural aspects as highlighted in Omani and Turkish documents. These historical relations can be built upon through establishing greater cooperation in the field of museums and organising exhibitions in both countries on topics including Islamic arts and traditional crafts.

He added that cultural institutions in both countries can work on organising "cultural days" to introduce their audiences to culture and arts through art exhibitions, folk music group participations, intellectual seminars, and intensified participation in international book fairs held in both countries to introduce cultural production. The cooperation agreement between the Omani Society for Writers and Literati and the Turkish Writers Union signed in May 2025 is a step towards enhancing communication between those concerned with cultural affairs in both countries. Initiatives should also be taken to encourage translation works of various types of published books and organising cultural seminars in both countries.

For his part, Ambassador Muhammet Hekimoğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Sultanate of Oman, said that Turkish-Omani relations are based on deep historical roots dating back to the Seljuk era in the early eleventh century and reached a more developed level during the Ottoman era. Common threats in the region in the sixteenth century turned these two countries into strategic partners.

He added that this close cooperation between the two countries contributed to the rapprochement of their peoples, as cultural interaction increased and family relations emerged between them. These historically rooted relations were consolidated through the establishment of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and the Sultanate of Oman in 1973, with embassies opening in Ankara in 1985 and Muscat in 1986, laying stronger foundations for bilateral cooperation. This year, we celebrate the fifty-second anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He pointed out that Turkish-Omani relations continue closely in multiple fields such as politics, economy, higher education, energy, and culture. Bilateral cooperation relations, especially in the last ten to fifteen years, have witnessed accelerated development driven by common interests between the two parties.

The ambassador explained that the state visit made by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Türkiye last November was historic and yielded fruitful results, witnessing the signing of agreements covering health, culture, investment, small and medium enterprises, agriculture, and employment.

The state visit that the President of the Republic of Türkiye will make to the Sultanate of Oman is an embodiment of the depth of bilateral relations and the common will to maintain the growing momentum in the relations between the two countries. This visit reflects the level of relations and the strategic importance of the established historical ties between Türkiye and the Sultanate of Oman. It is expected to explore bilateral issues on the agenda in addition to addressing regional and international issues of common interest, particularly regarding the genocide committed by Israel in Palestine, in addition to signing cooperation agreements in many vital fields such as energy, education, and media.

The Turkish Ambassador affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman, with its established legacy, conducts a policy born of accumulated experience—a cornerstone of its methodology and foreign policy. Oman emerges as a leading actor in upholding regional stability, owing to its balanced and constructive approach, its neutral stance, and its role as a mediator, particularly in regional crises, where it advances solutions through dialogue and diplomacy, embodying a sophisticated model of constructive diplomacy. “We in Türkiye deeply value the efforts undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman in this regard, as regional stability and security, in turn, represent a strategic priority for Türkiye, which is why we ourselves have embraced the role of mediator and dialogue facilitator in numerous regional and international crises”.

In this context, the balanced positions maintained by the Sultanate of Oman on numerous issues—from the Yemeni crisis to its role in U.S. negotiations with Iran—are largely consistent with Türkiye’s own diplomatic approach. The recent increase in high-level political dialogue between the two countries reflects this growing diplomatic alignment. The ongoing communication between the Turkish Foreign Minister and his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, exemplifies the depth of this convergence and underscores the shared vision both sides continue to develop.

On the economic front, the Ambassador highlighted that a trade volume approaching $1 billion and over 100,000 mutual tourist visits stand as prominent indicators of the robust economic relationship between Türkiye and Oman. Furthermore, Turkish contracting firms have executed major infrastructure projects in Oman valued at more than $6 billion, encompassing ports, fishermen's wharves, roads, tunnels, airports, and drainage networks. These projects not only form a cornerstone of bilateral economic cooperation but also serve as a model for the exchange of expertise on the path of shared economic development.

The Ambassador noted that His Majesty's visit to the Republic of Türkiye last November, which resulted in the allocation of a $500 million budget under the "Joint Türkiye-Oman Investment Fund," underscores the growing interest of Turkish companies in investing across multiple sectors in Oman. This development is expected to catalyze the success of these efforts and lead to a rapid increase in Turkish investments within the Sultanate of Oman.

He emphasized the clear and mutual commitment to deepen the partnership and expand cooperation, particularly given the alignment of economic interests and the complementary nature of the two nations' productive structures. Noting the Omani economy's foundation in energy-intensive industries and the diverse, multi-faceted production capabilities of Türkiye, the ambassador stated it is evident that the two countries possess synergistic industrial bases capable of mutual reinforcement. Within this framework, he suggested that establishing joint ventures in energy-intensive sectors in Oman would simultaneously boost the Oman's productive capacity and exports, while providing Türkiye with more cost-effective access to essential raw materials and production inputs.

Furthermore, Türkiye is a leading producer of goods in high demand within the Omani market—including textiles, food products, defense equipment, and construction materials—thereby enhancing opportunities for expanded trade and increased mutual investment.

The ambassador outlined that the Turkish economy is distinguished by substantial industrial output and exports across numerous sectors, including food, textiles, automobiles, metals, defense, and construction materials. He added that Türkiye has also achieved significant advancements in its services sector—encompassing banking, construction, informatics, and logistics—with outbound tourism, in particular, demonstrating remarkable growth over the years. This expertise, he noted, positions Türkiye as a valuable partner in supporting Oman's efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy, provided the necessary cooperation is established. Conversely, he highlighted that Türkiye itself presents compelling opportunities for foreign investors, underpinned by its political stability and influential role both regionally and globally. Its membership in international political and military organizations, the Ambassador said, will further create new avenues of opportunity for non-member nations through the relationships it fosters.

He noted that the Turkish-Omani Business Council, operational since 2006 and comprising the Foreign Economic Relations Board on the Turkish side and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on the Omani side, continues to convene regularly through mutual visits focused on enhancing trade relations. Following an April 2025 announcement, preparations are ongoing for the "Türkiye-Oman Economic Forum" and the accompanying "Exported Turkish Products" exhibition, scheduled for December 2025 in Muscat. Furthermore, the joint statement on the Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council was signed on 21 March 2024, with negotiations now in their final stages. The finalisation of this agreement is expected to facilitate market access in sectors including goods trade, contracting, tourism, and health, thereby paving the way for new investments.

The ambassador added that the upcoming Türkiye-Oman Economic Forum will feature specialised programmes in energy, agriculture, industry, and investment, offering valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of bilateral trade cooperation.

Culturally, historical bilateral ties have consistently strengthened the bonds between the two nations. The regular convening of business meetings, dedicated trade exhibitions, and the availability of daily tourist flights have further accelerated the development and growth of cultural relations. This momentum was reinforced during the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Türkiye, which resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enhance cultural cooperation. The ambassador said, “We are also greatly encouraged by the growing interest in the Turkish language and culture among both Omanis and residents within the Sultanate of Oman”.

He confirmed that efforts to establish a Turkish school in the Sultanate of Oman are actively progressing. Furthermore, the elective Turkish language programme launched at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in 2019 continues to see substantial enrollment, reflecting strong student interest in acquiring Turkish language skills.

In late October 2024, a memorandum of understanding on higher education cooperation was signed during the visit of Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Oman's Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, to Türkiye. This agreement established a robust framework for mutual recognition between universities and for the exchange of students and academics.

In coordination with Oman's Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and in cooperation with the Atatürk Supreme Council for Culture, Language and History and the Turkish Embassy in Muscat, the ambassador said that the "Turkish-Omani Knowledge Dialogue Forum" convened in Muscat on 20-21 January 2025. The forum brought together numerous university presidents and heads of higher education institutions from Türkiye, alongside representatives from prominent universities and sectors, as well as specialized researchers and academics from diverse fields. Presentations spanned a wide range of subjects—including language, literature, culture, archives, maritime navigation, art, architecture, medicine, health, logistics, investment, aviation, and space—helping to identify potential cooperation opportunities. The event also featured bilateral meetings and university visits on its sidelines. Subsequently, the "Centre for Research and Studies on Contemporary Oman" has officially commenced its operations at Marmara University.

Simultaneously, Türkiye has established itself as a major hub for health and medicine, attracting significant international interest in its modern, advanced medical centers. This is complemented by ongoing collaboration between our archival institutions, facilitated through reciprocal visits and the exchange of information and documents. These collective initiatives underscore a genuine, mutual commitment to deepening cultural and social ties. Looking ahead, we plan to organise a series of cultural, artistic, and literary activities throughout 2025-2026, further strengthening cooperation in areas including film festivals, visual arts and crafts exhibitions, cinema, and theater.

The ambassador noted that the Turkish community, numbering approximately 3,600 individuals in the Sultanate of Oman, actively strengthens bilateral relations through a range of local activities and initiatives, contributing to and participating in the implementation of diverse projects.

Their activities are primarily concentrated within the energy, communications, construction, and infrastructure sectors. Our embassy in Muscat, the Turkish ambassador said, remains committed to supporting this trajectory and further developing bilateral relations. Since 2022, our "Turkish Cuisine Week" initiatives have successfully introduced traditional Turkish flavours to the Omani public through a series of events across various locations, all of which have been met with considerable public interest.

He further noted that collaborative activities with the Yunus Emre Institute in Muscat continue, encompassing both the organisation of cultural events and Turkish language education, thereby strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.

The trade volume between Oman and the Republic of Türkiye reached OMR196.8 million in the first seven months of 2025. Omani exports to Türkiye totalled OMR54.8 million, while imports from Türkiye stood at approximately OMR142 million.

The primary Omani exports to Türkiye comprise chemical industry products, food items, equipment, plastics, and rubber. Conversely, Omani imports from Türkiye are dominated by machinery, electrical appliances and equipment, along with tools and instruments for optics, photography, and cinematography.

The total trade volume between the two nations reached approximately OMR330.3 million in 2024. During this period, Omani exports to Türkiye were valued at about OMR103.3 million, while imports from Türkiye amounted to roughly OMR226.9 million.

The number of Turkish nationals visiting the Sultanate of Oman in the first eight months of 2025 reached approximately 11,000, reflecting a 10 percent increase from the roughly 10,000 visitors recorded during the same period in 2024.

Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), stated that the visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye to the Sultanate of Oman marks a significant milestone in the evolving bilateral relationship between the two friendly nations. He emphasised that the visit reflects the depth of their political and economic ties and a shared commitment to elevating joint cooperation to more integrated and comprehensive levels, particularly in the economic, commercial, and investment sectors.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Rowas stated that this visit builds upon the sustained momentum in relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye, a trajectory firmly established by the "state visit" of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Republic of Türkiye in November 2024, which laid the foundation for a strategic partnership rooted in mutual understanding and a convergence of interests and visions.

He highlighted the significance of the agreements signed following this visit, which encompassed a range of vital sectors including industry, food security, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, renewable energy, logistics, education, scientific research, culture and arts, entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and higher education. These agreements are poised to broaden the base of trade exchange and stimulate mutual investments.

The OCCI Chairman commended the significant alignment in strategic visions between the two nations, noting its harmony with both Oman's Vision 2040—emphasising economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation—and Türkiye's Century Vision, which reflects the Republic's ambition to develop a competitive, diversified economy with greater openness to global markets.

He indicated that this visit presents a valuable opportunity for Omani and Turkish companies to explore new avenues for commercial and investment cooperation within a conducive environment that fosters sustainable economic growth, job creation, and innovation as well as knowledge transfer. He reaffirmed the OCCI's commitment to advancing this promising bilateral trajectory by strengthening private-sector partnerships and facilitating trade and investment flows, initiatives that support the economic development objectives of both nations and contribute to a more prosperous and stable shared future.

The OCCI Chairman affirmed the Chamber's ongoing efforts to strengthen the commercial partnership through both the Joint Omani-Turkish Business Council and a series of joint exhibitions and business forums, highlighting their crucial role in generating investments and establishing long-term commercial partnerships. He also confirmed that the Chamber is preparing to organize the International Omani-Turkish Forum 2025, an event designed to showcase available potentials and opportunities, thereby boosting trade volume and opening new horizons for cooperation between the two friendly nations.

Sheikh Salim bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Head of the Omani side in the Omani-Turkish Business Council, stated that the upcoming "state visit" by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the Sultanate of Oman holds great significance, marking the first visit by a Turkish president to the Sultanate. He noted that the visit is in response to a generous invitation from His Majesty the Sultan, reciprocating the "state visit" His Majesty made to Türkiye in the latter part of last year.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA), he added that His Majesty the Sultan's visit to Türkiye had a profoundly positive impact on the bilateral relationship across all sectors, facilitated by the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding and the creation of a joint fund to enhance direct investments. He indicated that the Turkish President's forthcoming visit to the Sultanate of Oman will build upon this foundation, elevating the relationship to higher and more expansive levels in all economic, commercial, and investment fields.

Al Rawos noted that the Turkish President's visit immediately precedes the International Omani-Turkish Forum and its accompanying exhibition, scheduled to be held in Muscat from during 15-17 December 2025, an event convened at the initiative of the Omani-Turkish Business Council.

For his part, Faisal bin Alawi Al Dheeb, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Mamlaka Investment Services, stated that Omani-Turkish relations represent one of the region's most promising partnerships, particularly amid accelerating international challenges. He described the relationship as transcending traditional diplomacy to form a solid foundation for balanced economic cooperation, where Oman's strategic geographic depth synergises with Türkiye's industrial dynamism.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA), he added that the time is ripe to activate the economic partnership through a five-pillar cooperation plan, driven by qualitative private-sector initiatives and supported by government entities in both countries. This framework encompasses advanced industrial partnerships to establish Turkish-expertise manufacturing industries in Oman targeting GCC and Asian exports, thereby enhancing value addition and creating sustainable jobs. It also includes strategic logistical integration by connecting the ports of Salalah, Duqm, and Sohar with Mersin and Izmir, positioning Oman as a regional hub for re-exporting Turkish goods to East Africa and South Asia. The plan further involves technology transfer through business incubators and production projects utilizing Turkish technologies in smart agriculture, renewable energy, and industrial construction, alongside innovative tourism and real estate cooperation featuring Turkish investment and joint management of resorts in Salalah, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, and Musandam, blending authentic Omani character with refined Turkish architecture. Enhancing direct trade exchange is also expected to reduce costs, improve supply efficiency, and maximise mutual profits.

He affirmed that the Omani private sector anticipates forging robust strategic partnerships with its counterparts in the Republic of Türkiye, founded on mutual interest and greater integration in investment and trade. This cooperation supports sustainable development in both nations, diversifies Oman's national economy, and reinforces Oman's position as a dynamic global commercial and investment hub, in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Lujaina Mohsin Al Zaabi, Honorary President of the Omani-Turkish Friendship Association, noted that the Turkish President's visit to the Sultanate of Oman occurs as bilateral relations are experiencing significant advancement across all sectors, particularly following the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda. She stated that the visit signals a mutual desire to elevate the relationship from traditional ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing investment, energy, industry, culture, defence, and other key areas.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA), she stated that the visit presents an opportunity for the Sultanate of Oman to diversify its trade partnerships and attract investment from the Republic of Türkiye, which possesses significant expertise in infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing industries, thereby supporting the realization of "Oman Vision 2040."

She added that the agreements signed, and those to be finalized during this visit, will generate joint investment opportunities, unlock new markets for Omani and Turkish companies, and create commercial prospects for small and medium enterprises by incorporating them into major supply chains. She emphasised that these agreements establish a robust foundation for business opportunities and partnerships between entrepreneurs in the two friendly nations.