Oman and Kazakhstan to discuss new areas of cooperation during His Majesty's visit

Muscat: Stemming from an approach based on extending bridges of communication and cooperation and expanding areas of partnership in service of national interests, the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is building its relations with countries around the world and strengthening its presence at the regional and international levels. It is moving from diplomatic communication frameworks to broader areas of economic, investment, cultural and scientific cooperation.From the Sea of Oman to the heart of Asia, the partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan is being strengthened as His Majesty the Sultan arrives in Astana this Monday on a state visit. During the visit, His Majesty will discuss with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan new areas of cooperation between the two friendly countries. Omani-Kazakh relations have witnessed gradual development across various fields, given the two countries' important geographic locations that connect multiple regions and markets and their potential and opportunities that can be utilized to serve mutual interests.Statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information indicate that the volume of trade exchange between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2025 reached RO 421,500, before surging during the first six months of 2026 to RO 22,883,700.The center stated that total Omani exports to Kazakhstan by the end of June 2026 reached RO 22,864,200, while the volume of Omani imports from Kazakhstan reached RO 19,400.The number of visitors of Kazakh nationality in 2025 reached approximately 22,000, while their number by the end of August reached 10,965 visitors.Sheikh Dr. Salah Salim Jaaboub, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Kazakhstan, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Republic of Kazakhstan carries historical significance, as it is the first visit by an Omani Sultan to Kazakhstan and to the Central Asian region. This represents the culmination of a path of friendship and mutual trust extending over more than three decades.He explained that the Sultanate of Oman was among the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, following which diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. He noted that these relations were not limited to the political dimension but extended to the economic aspect, as the Sultanate of Oman was among the first Arab countries to invest in Kazakhstan through participation in the consortium that transports oil from the Tengiz field, one of the largest oil fields in the world.He added that investments continued during the era of the renewed renaissance under the leadership of His Majesty through Oman Investment Authority in the oil and mining sectors.The Ambassador affirmed that this Royal visit by His Majesty the Sultan will elevate relations between the two countries to a broader stage, as a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed in various fields, including air transport, the promotion and protection of investments, information technology, artificial intelligence, health, agriculture, and cooperation between the chambers of commerce and industry in both countries.He pointed to the issuance of a Royal decree that ratifies the establishment of the Omani-Kazakh Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, Investment, and Tourism Cooperation, to serve as an institutional framework that follows up on the implementation of these agreements and transforms them into tangible projects.He explained that among the most promising prospects for cooperation between the two countries is the logistics field, as the transport of Kazakh exports, including wheat, through the Sultanate of Oman is being discussed. This would enhance the Sultanate of Oman's role as a logistics outlet for Kazakhstan in the region.On the tourism side, the Ambassador explained that mutual visa exemption between the two countries, along with the launch of direct flights, has contributed to the growth of tourism movement between the two countries. More than 15,000 Omani citizens visited Kazakhstan over the past two years, while the Sultanate of Oman received more than 21,000 visitors from Kazakhstan.He noted that this Royal visit comes in harmony with the Sultanate of Oman's approach to building balanced partnerships based on mutual interests. He expressed his aspiration for the visit to open broader horizons for cooperation in the interest of the two countries and peoples.On his part, Aidarbek Toumatov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Sultanate of Oman, affirmed that relations between Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman have witnessed steady development and continuous progress for more than three decades. These relations are based on mutual respect, trust, and shared visions on many international issues.He added that during this period, a solid legal and contractual framework has been established, and areas of bilateral cooperation have expanded to include political, commercial, economic, investment, cultural, and humanitarian aspects, as well as various other fields.He noted that in recent years, bilateral relations between the two countries have acquired an increasingly practical dimension, with priority given to expanding trade exchange, attracting investments, strengthening trade links, consolidating cooperation in the transport and logistics sectors, and coordinating efforts between public and private sector institutions. He indicated that the promising potential of these relations will enable the elevation of the bilateral partnership to broader horizons.Regarding the contribution of mutual visits and official meetings to elevating bilateral relations between the two countries, the Kazakh Ambassador stated that mutual visits at the highest levels and regular official communications have played a prominent role in enhancing political trust and have given additional momentum to relations between the two friendly countries. They not only establish effective political dialogue but also pave the way for exploring new areas of practical cooperation.He added that recent years have witnessed continuous communication through high-level political contacts between Kazakhstan and Oman through official visits by officials from both countries, which have contributed to giving additional momentum to the development of bilateral cooperation in various fields.He noted that the official visit by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, to Kazakhstan in April 2026 acquired particular importance in strengthening relations and gave new momentum to economic and investment partnership. This was followed by a visit to Muscat in May 2026 by Roman Sklyar, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during which the two sides discussed expanding investment, trade, and economic cooperation.Regarding benefiting from the geographic location of the two countries, the Ambassador affirmed that developing cooperation in the field of transport and logistics between Kazakhstan and Oman acquires strategic importance for both countries. Kazakhstan, located in the heart of Eurasia, possesses significant transit potential and enjoys a location that qualifies it to be a major land bridge connecting China and Central Asia with other international markets.He explained that the Sultanate of Oman, with its access to the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and its modern port infrastructure, offers additional opportunities for connectivity with the markets of the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.He pointed out that among the priorities is the development of a multimodal transport corridor linking the railway and road networks in Kazakhstan with maritime routes through Omani ports. This, he believes, requires closer cooperation between relevant transport authorities, port operators, railway companies, and logistics companies in both countries.He affirmed that there are significant opportunities to increase exports of Kazakh products, including metals, grains, food products, and other goods, to the markets of the Sultanate of Oman and neighboring countries. Kazakhstan can also serve as an important land gateway for Omani goods to reach Central Asian markets and onward to China, he added.He explained that practical steps can be taken to fully benefit from the advantages of our geographic location, as the two countries can establish a new and effective channel for the movement of goods, investments, and expertise between these two strategically important regions.Regarding the political aspect, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Sultanate of Oman stated that Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman share a convergent approach on a wide range of international issues. Both countries call for adherence to international law, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, peaceful settlement of disputes, and resolution of differences primarily through political and diplomatic means.He affirmed that the mutual understanding regarding the importance of dialogue and mediation in resolving regional crises acquires particular importance, as Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman cooperate effectively within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral forums, supporting the enhancement of international cooperation, stability, and security.He pointed out that there is significant potential to expand investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman in a number of complementary fields, foremost among them the mining and metallurgy sector, where joint investments can focus on developing mineral deposits and enhancing raw material processing.He noted that among other important areas are transport and logistics, agriculture, and food security, including the development of multimodal routes, manufacturing facilities, and resilient supply chains. Industrial cooperation offers promising opportunities, including the establishment of joint production facilities serving third-country markets. There is also significant potential for cooperation in digital technologies and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital logistics.He affirmed that focusing efforts on these areas will help both countries move forward toward a systematic and long-term investment partnership and create new drivers of economic growth for both Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman.Regarding enhancing tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries, the Ambassador stated that tourism has become one of the most dynamic areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman. He said, “We have a solid foundation with a 30-day visa exemption system and direct air connectivity between Muscat and Almaty. Results are already tangible, as approximately 15,800 passengers traveled on this route during the three summer months alone.”He added that there is significant potential to increase growth on the tourism side, as Kazakhstan offers Omani tourists a new experience among mountains, lakes, unique nature, and rich historical heritage.He explained that there is a tendency to operate charter flights from Astana and Almaty to Salalah starting in October, giving more Kazakh tourists the opportunity to discover the Sultanate of Oman. “In the longer term, the development of our air services framework will provide opportunities to launch a direct Muscat-Astana-Muscat route,” he added.As for culture, sports, and humanitarian ties, the Ambassador noted the increasing participation of a number of Kazakh athletes in major sporting events in the Sultanate of Oman, from the Tour of Oman to the Oman Individual Chess Championship. In 2025, the Kazakhstan national team also won the gold medal in the Asian Rugby Championship.He also noted the cultural exchange between the two countries through numerous events. Last April, the embassy hosted a Nowruz celebration in Muscat, with the participation of the Kazakh community and Omanis. Last December, the Astana Opera presented Leo Delibes' "Coppélia" at the Royal Opera House in Muscat, which attracted great audience interest.The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Sultanate of Oman concluded his remarks by stating that these initiatives across various fields, from tourism and sports to education and culture, contribute to elevating bilateral relations into genuine bonds between peoples and contribute to closer relations between Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman.On his part, Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, affirmed that the Royal visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Republic of Kazakhstan represents an important milestone in the path of relations between the two friendly countries. It reflects the keenness to elevate them toward broader horizons of partnership and cooperation. He noted that the discussions and understandings at the level of the two countries' leaderships will give economic relations new momentum and open broader paths for trade, investment, and cooperation between the business communities.He explained that the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan possess economic and geographic fundamentals that can serve as a foundation for establishing high-value partnerships delivering added value to both sides, particularly in transport and logistics, energy, food security, manufacturing, tourism, mining, digital transformation, and the banking and financial services sector. These fields present opportunities for exchanging expertise, developing digital and financial solutions, and strengthening cooperation between institutions and companies in both countries.He noted that the strategic location of the two countries offers opportunities to enhance connectivity between Central Asian markets, the Gulf region, and surrounding markets, while leveraging the ports and economic and logistical zones in the Sultanate of Oman alongside Kazakhstan's economic reach in Central Asia. This strengthens prospects for trade and investment integration and facilitates the flow of goods and services.Al Rowas added that the Royal visit represents an important opportunity to build on the solid foundations of relations between the two countries and to drive economic cooperation toward broader areas, creating further opportunities for the Omani and Kazakh private sectors to establish trade and investment partnerships with added value.He affirmed that Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays an active role in supporting this direction by enhancing communication channels between the business communities, expanding awareness of investment opportunities, encouraging the exchange of delegations, and organizing joint business forums and meetings. This, he affirmed, strengthens the presence of Omani and Kazakh companies in both markets and contributes to developing trade and investment movement and building sustainable economic partnerships serving mutual interests.