Sultan Haitham bin Tariq breaks 40-year silence with historic visit to Turkey
- Sultan Haitham bin Tariq made a historic visit to Ankara, Turkey, the first by an Omani Sultan in 40 years.
- Ten memorandums of understanding focusing on trade and diplomatic ties were signed during the visit.
- The visit represents significant progress in Omani-Turkish relations, enhancing economic, political, and possibly military cooperation.
In a significant diplomatic move, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman visited Ankara, Turkey, marking the first visit by an Omani Sultan to Turkey in nearly four decades. This visit is particularly notable given its timing and the evolving relationships between Oman and Turkey. The meeting drew considerable media attention, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally welcoming the Sultan at the airport with high-level protocol. This reception for Haitham bin Tariq followed similar honors extended to other Arab leaders this year, signaling a deeper commitment to strengthening ties within the region. During this historic visit, the Sultan and Erdogan signed 10 memorandums of understanding, with a focus on enhancing trade and diplomatic relations. The two countries have set a target to increase their trade exchange to $5 billion, capitalizing on untapped potential in sectors like construction, tourism, and technology. Furthermore, a long-term agreement for Turkey to begin receiving liquefied natural gas from Oman is set to commence in 2025, indicating a strengthening energy partnership between the two nations. The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East continues to shift, with implications for broader political cooperation. Oman’s consistent foreign policy and advocacy for a peaceful resolution to conflicts, such as the situation in Gaza, parallels Turkey’s stance and suggests potential for collaboration on regional issues. As both countries express similar priorities, their relationship may evolve further, not just economically but also politically. Looking at military and defense cooperation, while historically limited, there are signs of growing collaboration. Many Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have already engaged with Turkey's defense industry, purchasing military hardware like the Bayraktar TB2 drones. Oman may also seek to enhance its military dealings with Turkey, which could include a stronger focus on security-related issues, especially as NATO deepens its involvement in the Gulf region. The outcome of this visit may set the course for future relationships not only between Oman and Turkey but across the broader GCC, indicating a strategic effort to solidify alliances and foster economic growth in a rapidly changing political landscape.