Turkey's relations with Oman are on a new high, Ambassador Engin Turker tells Mehre Alam
Engin Turker could not have begun his tenure as the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Sultanate of Oman at a more opportune time. Trade ties between the two countries have gone from strength to strength over the past few months. And many developments slated for the future will take the bilateral ties to a new high.
While Turker joined the Embassy a few months ago, the first ever Turkish products exhibition was being organised in Oman. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), business deals worth $20 million were concluded, with the participation of as many as 56 Turkish companies. Then, the OCCI agreed to organize an Omani exhibition in Istanbul, in cooperation with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, later this year.
To cap it all, Turkish Airlines launched direct flights between Istanbul and Muscat in March with a view to further boosting relations between the Sultanate and Turkey. For more convenience of the passengers, non-stop flights between Istanbul and Muscat will be launched from June. As a link between the East and the West, this provides the best opportunity to promote Oman as a tourist destination and promote Omani products, not only in Turkey, but in the entire European market as well.
There are more agreements in the pipeline. On the cards are cooperation between the Archives of the two countries, a maritime agreement, cooperation agreement on tourism, agreement on cooperation on legal matters in the fields of commerce, penal code and consular affairs, an agreement on avoiding double taxation (already completed, it only remains to be signed), and an agreement on reciprocal promotion and protection of investments (almost completed, to be signed).
Sky, the Limit
Turker has an enviable task up his sleeves in the coming times in view of the promising developments in transport and communications. "Turkish Airlines' direct flights (weekly) between Istanbul and Muscat will give a big boost to tourism in both countries. It will also enhance our commercial, cultural and business relations," the Ambassador points out.
He also has a "special formula" on the tourism horizon. "Turkish visitors are likely to flock to Oman during the winter season and Omanis will do the same in their summers." Turker nurses no doubts that this is surely a winning formula. "Turkey and Oman could cooperate and benefit from these advantages."
It is no coincidence that both Turkey and Oman are favourite destinations for tourists. Last year, about 20 million tourists visited Turkey. Oman would be an attractive destination for winter tourists, who would like to enjoy sunshine while their countries are freezing.
Business Ties: The Surge
Since 2000, Turkish contracting and consultant companies have successfully completed, or are on the way to finalising industrial projects worth over $430 million in Oman. Turkish companies are involved in port (Sohar), road construction, and water distribution systems. The Blue City Project is the most recent success of a Turkish construction company, which, together with a partner, is undertaking the responsibility of the completion of the first phase of the project.
And things are really looking up. "The interest of Turkish companies in forthcoming Omani projects is growing.
The advantage of Turkish companies stems from their experience, efficiency, technology and pricing," claims Turker. Pressing the point further, Turker gets into a bit of hardsell: "Turkey, with its updated, modernized and investor friendly legal bases, is an ideal destination for Omani businessmen looking to ink investments beyond the borders of the Sultanate."
Advantage Oman
"Oman, as the commercial hub between Arabian Peninsula and the sub-continent and East Africa, can be a very attractive port for Turkish export products," reiterates the Turkish Ambassador. "Vice-versa, Turkey would also be a perfect corner for Omani products to reach the Balkans, Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia."
No wonder around 200 Turkish business people, representing various sectors, have visited Oman and held fruitful talks with their counterparts during the past few months. "Under the wise and able leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman is progressing rapidly," says Turker. "The developments in Sohar clearly demonstrate this. These are all stunning developments. Omani exports are bound to shoot up. To add to it, Oman's flourishing tourism projects are truly awesome," he adds.
Turko-Omani Relations: Historical Background
There is more to the Turkey-Oman ties than the current surge in business volumes. Historical ties between the two countries date back to hundreds of years. "Turks and Omanis were allies. The Ottoman fleet in the 16th century unflinchingly shielded Oman against Portuguese attacks aimed at controlling trade routes to India. In 1550, Piri Reis, the Commander of the Ottoman Fleet assigned to Suez, helped Omani forces recapture Muscat and Al Jalali Fort from Portuguese invaders," elaborates Turker. In the 17th century when Iranians forces attacked Basra Port, Oman's Imam, with an Omani fleet, came to support Ottomans and helped repel the Iranian forces. And in the 18th century, when the Wahabi's of Saudi Arabia attacked Ibadis, Ottoman forces came to their rescue.
'Geographical Allies'
Besides history, geography too fosters brotherly ties between Oman and Turkey, feels the Ambassador.
"Turkey, with its unique geopolitical and geo-strategic location it's between Europe and Asia, Balkans', Caucasus, Middle East, Black Sea and Mediterranean possesses a special importance in regional and world politics. Similarly, Oman, with its unique location at the juncture of Arabian peninsula, sub-continent and East African geographical regions has a unique geo-political and geo-strategic eminence."
Turker is convinced both Oman and Turkey have a very crucial role to play in maintaining international peace and prosperity. "They both have a long, traditional, and deep-rooted state experience. And they have both maintained and cherished tolerance, and promoted understanding and harmony between different cultures, faiths and races."
Engin Turker's Curriculum Vitae
Education: Ankara University, Faculty of Political Sciences
Previous Assignments: Attach and Third Secretary at the Department of Bilateral Economic Affairs of the Ministry of, Foreign Affairs; Vice Consul at the Turkish Consulate General; Second and First Secretary at the Turkish Embassy in Lefko?a, TRNC; Chief of Section at the Department of Eastern Europe of the M.F.A.; Deputy Head of Mission at the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm; Head of Department of Information of the M.F.A.; Deputy Head of Mission at the Turkish Permanent Delegation to U.N.E.S.C.O.; Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of International Political Institutions of the M.F.A.; Ambassador to Bahrain; Ambassador, senior Advisor to the Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly on Foreign Affairs
Married to Lale, the couple has one child
A professional artist, Engin Turker has held various solo art exhibitions of painting and sculpture in Turkey and also in the USA, France, Cyprus, Bahrain, Sweden, Japan and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Turkey and Oman: Recent official visits exchanged
Turkish Prime Minister visited Oman, accompanied by a big delegation of business people.
Turkish Minister of Health visited Oman. He was accompanied by a big business delegation representing various sectors in medical fields (right from medicine to medical equipment).
Turkey's State Minister and Co-Chairman of Turko-Omani Joint Economic Committee, H.E. Besir Atalay, visited Oman, leading a big delegation comprising of businessmen from Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, representing various sectors.
H.E. Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Issa Al Harthy, the Sultanate's Minister of Transport and Communications, made an official visit to Turkey.
Turkey's Minister of Transport, H.E. Binali Yildirim, visited Oman, leading a big delegation comprising of members of Turkish Parliament, businessmen and representatives of Turkish media.
© Oman Economic Review 2006
