President Erdoğan's Gulf Visit (2025)

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Gulf tour from 21 to 23 October 2025, which included Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, is a high-level official visit aimed at strengthening Türkiye’s diplomatic and economic relations in the Gulf region. As a result of these visits, a total of 24 agreements, joint statements and declarations were signed between Türkiye and the three countries.

President Recep TayyipErdoğan, departing from Istanbul Atatürk Airport for an official visit to Kuwait, 21 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Kuwait Visit

On the morning of 21 October 2025, President Erdoğan departed from Istanbul Atatürk Airport at 09:30 aboard the “TRK” aircraft for Kuwait, the first stop of his Gulf tour. He was seen off at the airport by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, AK Party Istanbul Provincial Chair Abdullah Özdemir and other officials.

Accompanying President Erdoğan were his wife Emine Erdoğan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, AK Party Deputy Chairmen Ömer Çelik and Halit Yerebakan, AK Party Deputy Group Chair Özlem Zengin, Head of the National Intelligence Organization Ibrahim Kalın, President’s Communication Director Burhanettin Duran, Head of the Defense Industry Haluk Görgün and President’s Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç.

President Erdoğan’s aircraft landed at Kuwait International Airport at 12:30, where he was received in an official ceremony by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. Present at the ceremony were Kuwaiti Minister of Public Works Dr. Nora Mohammad Al-Mashaan, Minister of Defense Abdullah Ali Al Sabah, other ministers and officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Kuwait.

President Erdoğan is received in an official ceremony by Kuwaiti Emir Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, 21 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Following the ceremony, President Erdoğan proceeded to the Bayan Palace, where bilateral and delegation-level talks with Emir al-Sabah were held.

Meeting Between President Erdoğan and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah

On 21 October 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a meeting with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. According to a statement issued by the President’s Communication Directorate, the talks covered Türkiye-Kuwait bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments.

President Erdoğan and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, 21 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

President Erdoğan emphasized that existing cooperation between Türkiye and Kuwait in the fields of investment, energy, trade and defense industry holds strategic importance and that the deep-rooted ties between the two countries can be further strengthened. He also noted Türkiye’s positive observation of Kuwait’s efforts, in its capacity as Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to promote regional stability.

The same statement conveyed Erdoğan’s view that the Free Trade Agreement currently under negotiation between Türkiye and the Gulf Cooperation Council would contribute to enhancing commercial relations with its brother Gulf states. Erdoğan underscored the critical importance of preserving the ceasefire in Gaza, affirmed that a lasting peace is achievable only through a two-state solution and highlighted the significance of the Islamic world presenting a unified stance on this issue. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s firm commitment to preserving Syria’s political unity and territorial integrity and expressed Türkiye’s desire to work in cooperation with Arab states in building the future of the Syrian people.

Bilateral Agreements and Areas of Cooperation

In the presence of President Erdoğan and Kuwaiti Emir al-Sabah, four agreements were signed between the two countries. The signed agreements are as follows:

1. Maritime Transport Agreement: Signed between the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait.
2. Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Recognition of Seafarers’ Certificates: Signed on behalf of Türkiye by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and on behalf of Kuwait by the Prime Minister’s First Deputy and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah.
3. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Energy Sector: Signed by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Acting Minister of Finance of Kuwait Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Muhaizem.
4. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Incentives for Direct Investment: Signed by Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, Chairman of the Presidency of Investment and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye, and Sheikh Dr. Meshal Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA).

Following the talks, President Erdoğan presented the Kuwaiti Emir Al-Sabah with Türkiye’s domestic electric vehicle, Togg, as a gift.

Signing of agreements between the two countries in the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, 21 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Completion of Kuwait Visits and Transition to Qatar

President Erdoğan concluded his visits in Kuwait and departed at 16:30 on 21 October 2025 aboard the “TRK” aircraft for Doha, the capital of Qatar. At Kuwait International Airport, President Erdoğan was escorted off by Kuwaiti Minister of Public Works Dr. Nora Mohammad Al-Mashaan, Minister of Defense Abdullah Ali Al Sabah, other ministers, and officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Kuwait. President Erdoğan’s wife Emine Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, and other senior officials also traveled to Qatar aboard the same aircraft.

State Visit to Qatar

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Doha on the evening of 21 October 2025 at the invitation of Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. At Hamad International Airport, where Erdoğan arrived on the TRK aircraft, he was formally welcomed by Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hasan bin Ali Al Thani, Qatari officials, and Turkey’s Ambassador to Doha Mustafa Göksu.

President Erdoğan was accompanied by his wife Emine Erdoğan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, AK Party Deputy Chairmen Ömer Çelik and Halit Yerebakan, AK Party Deputy Group Chair Özlem Zengin, MIT Director İbrahim Kalın, President’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Defense Industries President Haluk Görgün, and Presidential Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç.

On 22 October 2025, during the official visit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Emiri Diwan in the capital Doha. The meeting was held behind closed doors, followed by bilateral talks between the delegations. After the talks, a ceremony was held for the signing of joint agreements.

President Erdoğan with Qatar Emir Al Thani, 22 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

11th Turkey–Qatar High Strategic Committee Meeting and Signed Agreements

Following the one-on-one and delegation-level meetings at the Emiri Diwan, President Erdoğan and Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani co-chaired the 11th Turkey–Qatar High Strategic Committee Meeting. After the meeting, several agreements and a joint declaration were signed between the two countries in various fields.

Ceremony for the signing of agreements between the two countries in the presence of Erdoğan and Al Thani, 22 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

The signed documents are as follows:

1. “Joint Declaration on the 11th Meeting of the Turkey–Qatar High Strategic Committee” – Signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
2. “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Exchange of Experience in Strategic Development Planning in Various Fields between the Presidency of Strategy and Budget of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the State of Qatar” – Signed by Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, and General Secretary of the Qatar National Planning Council Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa.
3. “Joint Ministerial Statement between the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar” – Signed by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Sani Al Thani.
4. “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Defense Industry” – Signed by President of the Defense Industries of the Republic of Türkiye Haluk Görgün and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hasan bin Ali Al Thani.

Visit to Oman

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Oman on 22 October 2025, the third and final stop of his Gulf tour. In the capital Muscat, he was received by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at the Al Alam Palace during an official ceremony.

President Erdoğan is received with an official ceremony in Oman, 23 October 2025 - (Anadolu Agency)

A military cavalry band accompanied President Erdoğan’s official vehicle in a ceremonial procession upon his arrival at the palace. A 21-gun salute was fired upon his entry, and the national anthems of both countries were played. Following the ceremony, delegations from both nations were introduced, and the leaders proceeded to their meeting.

Participating in the official welcome ceremony were Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, AK Party Deputy Chairmen Ömer Çelik and Halit Yerebakan, AK Party Deputy Group Chair Özlem Zengin, MIT Director İbrahim Kalın, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Chief of Staff Hasan Doğan, Defense Industries President Haluk Görgün, and Presidential Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç.

President Erdoğan is received with an official ceremony in Oman, 23 October 2025 - (Anadolu Agency)

President Erdoğan presented Sultan Haitham bin Tariq with Türkiye’s domestically produced electric vehicle, Togg. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq inspected the vehicle alongside President Erdoğan in the palace courtyard, while Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır provided technical details about the car.

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq hosted a dinner in honor of President Erdoğan at Al Alam Palace. The dinner was held behind closed doors.

Meeting Between President Erdoğan and the Sultan of Oman

On 23 October, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at Al Alam Palace. The meeting was held behind closed doors.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq at Al Alam Palace, 23 October 2025 - (Anadolu Agency)

According to a statement from the Presidential Communications Directorate, the meeting covered bilateral relations between Türkiye and Oman as well as regional and global issues. Erdoğan emphasized the deep historical and fraternal ties between the two countries and stated that this visit further strengthened their solidarity. He highlighted the intention to expand cooperation in numerous areas including industry, economy, defense, and communications.

President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye and Oman share a common stance on the Palestinian issue and expressed appreciation for Oman’s efforts in the region focused on mediation and dialogue. Erdoğan stated that Türkiye and Oman will work together toward a two-state solution in Gaza.

Agreements and Cooperation Documents Signed

Following a meeting between the delegations led by President Erdoğan and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, sixteen agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed between the two countries. The main agreements include:

• Joint Statement on the Establishment of the Coordination Council
• Joint Statement on Visa Exemption for Common Passports
• Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Mining and Critical Minerals between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye
• Memorandum of Understanding on Military Cooperation between the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Defense of the Sultanate of Oman
• Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman
• Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Science Technology and Innovation between the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Higher Education Research and Innovation of the Sultanate of Oman
• Memorandum of Understanding on the Protection of Competition and Prevention of Monopolization between the Competition Authority of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman
• Memorandum of Understanding on Media and Communication Cooperation between the Presidency of Communication of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Information of the Sultanate of Oman
• Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Industry Cooperation between the Presidency of Defense Industries on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Ministry of Defense of the Sultanate of Oman
• Strategic Cooperation Agreement between the Türkiye Wealth Fund (TWF) and the Oman Investment Authority
• Shareholding Agreement between Amber Limited and OYAK
• Cooperation Agreement between Nitaj-Oman Food Investment Holding and OYAK Food and Agriculture Holding
• Cooperation Agreement between Innovance Information Technologies Inc. and Oman Telecommunications Company
• Cooperation Agreement on Land Allocation for the Construction and Operation of an Educational Institution by the Türkiye Maarif Foundation between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman

Agreements signed between Türkiye and Oman 23 October 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Completion of the Visit

President Erdoğan completed his engagements in Oman on 23 October 2025 and returned to Türkiye. Erdoğan and his delegation were escorted off at the Special Royal Airport by Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Defense Seyyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said representing Sultan Haitham bin Tarik along with Turkey’s Ambassador to Muscat Muhammad Hekimoglu and embassy staff.