Oman Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Reflects on Four-Year Tenure
Sayyid Faisal bin Turki bids farewell, highlighting strong diplomatic ties and future opportunities between Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Sayyid Faisal bin Turki, the outgoing Oman ambassador to Saudi Arabia, shared his heartfelt reflections in an exclusive interview with Arab News before concluding his four-year tenure in Riyadh.
Turki expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception he received from Saudi Arabia, describing it as feeling like home.
His tenure began in early 2021, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these hurdles, he noted significant milestones, including the first state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham and the inauguration of a new road access between Saudi Arabia and Oman.
His tenure also witnessed the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, accompanied by a large delegation.During his time in Riyadh, Turki emphasized the strengthening of bilateral relations, with a notable number of agreements signed in various sectors.
The ambassador highlighted that between 80 to 115 delegations per year visited Saudi Arabia, reflecting the growing collaboration between the two nations.
He also pointed out that the Omani private sector had made significant strides, with over 20 Omani companies expanding into the Saudi market, including in fields such as IT, tourism, and oil and gas.Looking ahead, Turki mentioned the Gulf Railway Project, an initiative within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to enhance connectivity across the region.
He stressed the importance of the railway network for trade, both within the Gulf and beyond.
Oman, which is already involved in the development of Hafeet Rail connecting to the UAE’s national railway network, is poised to contribute to the broader GCC initiative.
Turki also highlighted Oman’s excellent logistical position and the potential for further cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly as a gateway for trade with Asia.
He reflected on successful participation in major events such as the Future Investment Initiative (FII) and the Riyadh International Book Fair, noting the growing interest from Oman in technology-driven forums like LEAP.As his tenure comes to a close, Turki expressed optimism for the future of Oman-Saudi relations, stressing the ongoing efforts to foster deeper cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Turki expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception he received from Saudi Arabia, describing it as feeling like home.
His tenure began in early 2021, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these hurdles, he noted significant milestones, including the first state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham and the inauguration of a new road access between Saudi Arabia and Oman.
His tenure also witnessed the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, accompanied by a large delegation.During his time in Riyadh, Turki emphasized the strengthening of bilateral relations, with a notable number of agreements signed in various sectors.
The ambassador highlighted that between 80 to 115 delegations per year visited Saudi Arabia, reflecting the growing collaboration between the two nations.
He also pointed out that the Omani private sector had made significant strides, with over 20 Omani companies expanding into the Saudi market, including in fields such as IT, tourism, and oil and gas.Looking ahead, Turki mentioned the Gulf Railway Project, an initiative within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to enhance connectivity across the region.
He stressed the importance of the railway network for trade, both within the Gulf and beyond.
Oman, which is already involved in the development of Hafeet Rail connecting to the UAE’s national railway network, is poised to contribute to the broader GCC initiative.
Turki also highlighted Oman’s excellent logistical position and the potential for further cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly as a gateway for trade with Asia.
He reflected on successful participation in major events such as the Future Investment Initiative (FII) and the Riyadh International Book Fair, noting the growing interest from Oman in technology-driven forums like LEAP.As his tenure comes to a close, Turki expressed optimism for the future of Oman-Saudi relations, stressing the ongoing efforts to foster deeper cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.