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Sultan Haitham, Erdogan Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Issues

Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
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Sultan Haitham, Erdogan Discuss Bilateral Ties and Regional Issues

Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)
Turkish President receives Oman’s Sultan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency)

Türkiye and Oman agreed to deepen cooperation and increase trade to $5 billion. They also backed efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, similar to a recent deal in Lebanon.

“We aim to raise our trade volume with Oman to $5 billion, in line with our available potential. A new era of energy cooperation will commence as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Oman to Türkiye begin in July 2025,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan welcomed Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Ankara on Thursday, marking the first official visit by an Omani Sultan to Türkiye. Erdogan said he plans to visit Oman in the future.

He thanked Sultan Haitham for Oman’s support after Türkiye’s earthquake last year and praised his efforts to promote regional peace, especially in Yemen. Erdogan also stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations in all areas.

Erdogan called for stronger institutional ties with Oman, announcing 10 agreements in areas such as trade, health, culture, agriculture, and defense. He praised Oman for choosing Turkish defense products and noted that Turkish contractors have handled $7 billion worth of projects in Oman, with potential to support Oman’s “Vision 2040.”

The leaders also discussed regional issues, including US President Joe Biden’s Gaza ceasefire initiative, which Erdogan called “important but overdue.” He stressed the need for an immediate and lasting truce in Gaza and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for peace efforts.

Sultan Haitham said Oman is committed to deepening ties with Türkiye and increasing trade to $5 billion.

The Omani leader highlighted the importance of regional security and cooperation during talks with Erdogan. He voiced Oman’s support for Türkiye’s stance on key international issues and stressed the need to pursue a two-state solution for Palestine to ensure justice and peace.

Erdogan welcomed Sultan Haitham in Ankara with an official ceremony at the presidential palace. The leaders oversaw the signing of 10 agreements aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.

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Élysée Sources: Macron’s Upcoming Saudi Visit Seen as Exceptional

President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)
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Élysée Sources: Macron’s Upcoming Saudi Visit Seen as Exceptional

President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Saudi Arabia on December 2 at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Élysée Palace announced.

Élysée sources described the visit as an “exceptional state visit,” at the highest diplomatic level, reflecting strong ties and a close personal relationship between Macron and the Crown Prince.

Paris views the visit as a “crucial moment” in the evolving ties between France and Saudi Arabia. Both nations aim to elevate their relationship to the level of a “strategic partnership,” which will be formally announced during the visit.

Macron’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia is seen by Paris as a pivotal moment in advancing bilateral ties.

Both nations plan to elevate their relationship to a formal “strategic partnership” during the visit, reflecting shared ambitions for the next decade, underpinned by a joint action plan, according to the Élysée Palace.

Supporting Saudi Transformation

The visit comes as Saudi Arabia undergoes significant economic transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030.

It highlights France’s support for Saudi Vision 2030, including major projects like NEOM, AlUla development, and efforts in renewable energy and cultural initiatives. Paris views this as an opportunity to expand economic and cultural cooperation.

Tackling Regional Crises

Macron and the Crown Prince will address major challenges, including the Gaza conflict, Lebanon’s political stalemate, the Yemen war, and Iran’s nuclear activities.

France aims to work with Saudi Arabia on ceasefires, peace efforts, and humanitarian initiatives, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.

In Gaza, France seeks Saudi collaboration to push for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian protections.

Paris also emphasizes the importance of Saudi contributions through the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to advance a two-state solution for Palestine.

In Lebanon, discussions will focus on consolidating the ceasefire, supporting presidential elections to fill the leadership vacuum, and driving reforms.

France also highlights the importance of rebuilding efforts, estimated at $15 billion, and appreciates Saudi contributions to recent international aid conferences.

The Élysée sees Saudi Arabia’s modernization and social reforms as positioning the Kingdom as a central player in a more interconnected Middle East.

France supports Saudi bids for major global events, such as hosting Expo 2030 and the Winter Olympics, viewing these as opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Macron’s engagement with Iran will also be discussed, as France seeks to balance dialogue with Tehran while urging it to cease actions that destabilize the region.

The French President’s schedule includes high-level meetings, a visit to Riyadh Metro, the Saudi-French Economic Forum, and cultural stops in Diriyah and AlUla.

The trip underscores France’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformation and promoting stability in the region.