Turkey extends condolences to Oman over Sultan's death

Turkey on Saturday extended condolences to Oman over the death of longtime ruler Qaboos bin Said al Said.

In a Twitter post, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “I wish Allah's mercy on Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said al Said, who was a key figure for Oman’s welfare and development with his efforts as well as for the politics in our region.”

In a separate Twitter post, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said: “Heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of #Oman who lost a visionary leader, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. May his soul rest in eternal peace. @MofaOman @Oman_GC.”

Sultan Qaboos died on Friday at the age of 79 after a long battle with illness.

Omani authorities declared a three-day national mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast for 40 days over the sultan's death.

Qaboos had ruled Oman since 1970 and was the eighth sultan of the House of Al Said. He was the longest-serving monarch among the recent Arab rulers.

The late sultan was credited for modernizing his country, using the oil money to build roads and hospitals and develop infrastructure.

On Saturday, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said took the oath of allegiance as the country's new sultan after the death of Qaboos.