MUSCAT: Bilateral trade between Oman and Turkey touched $600 million last year, said Ugur Gogan, the Turkish ambassador to the Sultanate.
“Since diplomatic ties were established 40 years ago, relations between Oman and Turkey in the diplomatic, economic and cultural fields, and people to people contact have been increasing and deepening,” the ambassador said while addressing guests, who had gathered at the Crowne Plaza Muscat Hotel on the occasion of the 92nd anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.
“The Republic of Turkey and the Sultanate of Oman have a long history and deep-rooted fraternal and friendly relations,” he noted.
According to the ambassador, Oman and Turkey have recognised their ample capacity to raise the level of trade and investment.
“Mutual visits of representatives from the private sector are on the rise,” he said.
Laying stress on the need for raising the level of trade and investment, he added, “a 90-member delegation of businessmen and businesswomen from top Omani companies and SMEs visited Turkey at the beginning of this month and concluded some mutually beneficial agreements”.
The ambassador also confirmed that these visits would be reciprocated by the Turkish side.
“In addition to these developments, we will hold a meeting of the Joint Economic Committee, comprising government and private sector representatives, in Oman early next year,” the Turkish ambassador added.
Speaking about the efforts to maintain peace in the region, the ambassador said, “Turkey and Oman closely coordinate their diplomatic efforts with a view to finding peaceful solutions to the conflicts in the region and beyond international organisations, such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other forums.”
He added that the 30 most accomplished and reputed Turkish contracting firms have undertaken important infrastructure and other development projects in Oman since the year 2000.
“The total value of their undertakings has reached close to $6 billion,” he said.
According to him, these business ventures not only contribute to the successful development of the Sultanate of Oman, but also create opportunities for Omani SMEs to expand their capacity.
Elaborating, he said, “Turkish and Omani companies have established joint ventures for mutual benefit in Turkey, Oman and third countries.”
