Ankara: The US President’s recent initiative to broker a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip has been described as overdue yet significant by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During a joint news conference in Ankara with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Erdogan emphasized the critical need for a lasting cease-fire in the region to achieve peace.

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan acknowledged President Biden’s announcement, which aims to collaborate with Trkiye, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and other stakeholders to achieve a cease-fire and a hostage exchange deal in Gaza. Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, Israeli actions have reportedly resulted in over 44,000 casualties in Gaza.

Erdogan highlighted Trkiye’s readiness to mediate and guarantee a lasting peace, asserting that the country remains committed to establishing calm and security in Gaza. He also underscored the importance of cooperation with Oman and urged the Muslim world to engage more actively in addressing Israel’s actions in Pales
tine, which he argued threaten regional security.

The visit of Oman’s Sultan marks the first official state visit to Trkiye at the presidential level from Oman. Erdogan expressed plans for a reciprocal visit to Oman and emphasized the shared historical and brotherly ties between the two nations. The visit has led to the signing of 10 agreements spanning foreign relations, economy, industry, and other sectors, alongside a joint declaration aimed at enhancing bilateral ties.

Erdogan also highlighted the successful completion of $7 billion in projects by Turkish firms in Oman and discussed potential contributions to Oman’s Vision 2040. He expressed aspirations to elevate economic relations to $5 billion initially, noting the commencement of liquefied gas supply from Oman in 2025 as a new milestone in energy cooperation.