Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s visit to Ankara marked a pivotal moment in Omani-Turkish relations, being the first visit by an Omani Sultan to Türkiye in nearly 40 years. While the visit carried symbolic weight, it also reflected deeper shifts in the geopolitical and economic landscape, with both nations seeking to enhance their collaboration across multiple domains. This landmark event underscores Ankara’s growing engagement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, positioning Oman as the final piece of Türkiye’s Gulf puzzle.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan demonstrated the significance of Sultan Haitham’s visit by personally welcoming him at Ankara airport – an honor reserved for select dignitaries. Sultan Haitham joined the ranks of the Kuwaiti Emir and the Egyptian President as the third Arab leader to receive such a high-level reception in 2024. This gesture reflected Türkiye’sintention to strengthen ties with Oman, a nation whose steady foreign policy and neutral stance have made it a key player in the Gulf region.

During the visit, Sultan Haitham and President Erdoğan signed 10 memorandums of understanding aimed at bolstering trade and diplomatic cooperation. While discussions on defense collaboration remained inconclusive, the agreements signaled a commitment to exploring untapped potential in trade, energy, and cultural relations.

Unlike other GCC states, Oman’s relationship with Türkiye has been relatively stable, devoid of the oscillations seen in Ankara’s ties with nations like Saudi Arabia or the UAE. However, the bilateral relationship has yet to reach its full potential in........

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