Oman–Turkey relations explained

Mission1:Omani Embassy, Ankara
Mission2:Turkish Embassy, Muscat
Envoytitle1:Ambassador
Envoytitle2:Ambassador
Envoy1:Qasım Mohamad Salim Al Salhi[1]
Envoy2:Ayşe Sözen Usluer[2]

Oman–Turkey relations are the foreign relations between Oman and Turkey. Turkey's historic relationship with Oman has wavered between friendly indifference and courtship, but mutual differences were set aside in 2002 when the new Turkish government embraced a policy of engagement with Oman.[3]

Turkey formally recognized Oman in 1970, which declared its independence the same year and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1973. The two countries collaborated in their support for the 1979 Camp David accords and were among the four majority-Muslim states that did not break relations with Egypt after the signing of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty in 1979.[4]

Following the elimination of Iraq as a counterweight to Iran after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Oman, has fostered stronger ties with Turkey in an attempt to enhance GCC security.[4]

Recently, both countries have been the targets of hostile UAE spying:

Historical background

Oman was controlled by the Seljuk Empire 1000-1054[10] and after a period of Portuguese colonization, Oman became part of the Ottoman Empire following the recapture of Muscat in 1552 until 1698.[11] This was done in order to counter Portuguese influence in the region.[12]

Official visits

GuestHostPlace of visitDate of visit
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Oman) Yusuf bin Alawi bin AbdullahAl Alam Palace, MuscatJanuary 29, 2017[13]
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Oman) Yusuf bin Alawi bin AbdullahAl Alam Palace, MuscatOctober 28-29, 2017
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Oman) Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt ÇavuşoğluOIC Extraordinary Summit on Al-Quds, IstanbulMay 18, 2018

Economic relations

In 2024 the two countries signed a 10 year long contract gas deal. [15] Oman agreed to supply Turkish company, Botas 1 million metric tons beginning in 2025.[16]

Cultural relations

Turkish television drama have become massively popular across in Oman, as a significant population halts daily activities to watch shows such as Hareem Al Sultan and Fatima, which according to the Atlantic promotes a positive image of Turkey in Oman.[17]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Omani Ambassador Presents His Credentials to President Erdoğan. Presidency of the Republic of Turkey.
  2. Web site: Republic of Turkey Embassy in Muscat. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.
  3. Web site: Turkey's eastern trading bet pays off. Financial Times. Tim Reid. August 29, 2012.
  4. Hürsoy, S. (2013). Turkey's Foreign Policy and Economic Interests in the Gulf. Turkish Studies, 14(3, Autumn), 503–519.
  5. Web site: BBC News - Oman uncovers 'spy network' but UAE denies any links. BBC News. 21 February 2015.
  6. Web site: Oman says busts UAE spy network, UAE denies role. Reuters. 21 February 2015.
  7. News: UAE buys its way toward supremacy in Gulf cyberwar, using US and Israeli experts. 1 February 2019. Ars Technica.
  8. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-spying-karma/ UAE used cyber super-weapon to spy on iPhones of foes
  9. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-spying-raven/ Inside the UAE's secret hacking team of American mercenaries
  10. Uzi Rabi. Emergence of States in a Tribal Society: Oman Under Sa'Id Bin Taymur. Emergence of States in a Tribal Society: Oman Under Sa'Id Bin Taymur.
  11. Holt, Peter Malcolm; Lambton, Ann K. S. and Lewis, Bernard (1977) The Cambridge history of Islam, Cambridge University Press, .
  12. Web site: 2018-10-05 . Will Geopolitical Instability Strengthen Omani-Turkish Relations? . 2024-06-16 . Al Sharq Strategic Research . en-US.
  13. Web site: Bilateral Political Relations between Turkey and Oman. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.
  14. Web site: Turkey-Oman Economic and Trade Relations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.
  15. Web site: Oman LNG pens LNG supply deal with Turkey's Botas . 2024-06-16 . www.naturalgasworld.com.
  16. Web site: Staff . LNG Prime . 2024-04-19 . Oman LNG, Turkey's Botas seal 10-year SPA . 2024-06-16 . LNG Prime . en-US.
  17. Web site: The Islamic World's Culture War, Played Out on TV Soap Operas. The Atlantic. David Rohde. March 9, 2012.