A senior Omani foreign ministry official said Wednesday that relations between Oman and Türkiye are grounded in “trust and mutual cooperation,” noting that several agreements — including in defense — remain active between the two countries.
Oman highlights neutral, dialogue-first diplomacy
Speaking at a dialogue session titled “Cultural Heritage Extending from Oman to the World” at the National Museum in Muscat as part of National Day events, Ahmed al-Maskeri, Director of the GCC and Regional Neighborhood Department, said Oman consistently favors dialogue over conflict.
He said this approach has positioned the country as a “trusted bridge” between East and West.
Maskeri stressed that Omani diplomacy relies on “using neutrality to serve Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and international peace.”
‘We deliver the same message to everyone’
Maskeri said the key to Oman’s credibility as a mediator is consistency.
“What we tell international envoys behind closed doors is the same as what we say in the media. We do not have two messages,” he said.
Firm stance on Palestine
Addressing regional developments, Maskeri reiterated Oman’s “firm and unwavering” position on the Palestinian issue.
He said Oman condemns Israeli attacks in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, adding that this stance aligns with Muscat’s commitment to defending “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
Defense cooperation with Türkiye
In comments to Anadolu Agency, Maskeri said Oman and Türkiye maintain cooperation across multiple fields, including defense industry. “Our relations with Türkiye are based on trust and mutual cooperation,” he said, noting that the two nations have several active agreements.
He recalled attending a roundtable meeting during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Muscat last month, where both sides discussed ways to strengthen regional mediation efforts. Erdoğan had praised Oman’s role as a mediator during his Gulf tour.
Oman’s mediation track record
Oman hosted indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program in April 2024.
In May 2024, Omani mediation also helped facilitate a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
