Ankara – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged the highest orders of their respective nations during His Majesty’s state visit to Turkiye, signifying the deep-rooted friendship between Oman and Turkiye.

In a ceremony at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Thursday, His Majesty the Sultan conferred Oman’s highest accolade, the Al Said Order, on President Erdogan. This gesture honoured the Turkish leader’s role in strengthening the bonds between the two nations. In return, President Erdogan awarded His Majesty the Order of the State, Turkiye’s most prestigious decoration, in recognition of the advanced relations and mutual respect shared by both countries.

Later, President Erdogan hosted an official dinner in honour of His Majesty the Sultan  at the Presidential Complex. Before the dinner, the leaders exchanged commemorative gifts, underscoring the spirit of friendship.

As part of his visit, His Majesty the Sultan visited the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkiye. In a message penned in the Visitors Book, His Majesty expressed Oman’s commitment to peace and conveyed his wishes for Turkiye’s continued stability and prosperity. During the visit, His Majesty also toured the adjoining museum, which features Ataturk’s personal belongings and artefacts from Turkiye’s modern history.

His Majesty’s itinerary also included a visit to the Nation’s Library at the Turkish Presidential Complex. He explored its extensive collection of over 4 million printed books and rare manuscripts. A special mini-exhibition of Omani-Turkish documents and publications was organised in honour of His Majesty’s visit.