Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to the Russian Federation on Monday will mark a significant step in advancing Oman-Russia bilateral relations, with a focus on expanding cooperation in economic, trade, investment and energy sectors, including renewables.

A summit between His Majesty the Sultan and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin comes as the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which began on September 26, 1985. Officials said the talks will explore new avenues of partnership as Oman and Russia seek to strengthen ties in key sectors.

Hamoud bin Salim al Tuwaih, Oman’s Ambassador to Russia, described the visit as “historic”, it being the first by a Sultan of Oman to Moscow. “It reflects the sultanate’s keenness to strengthen relations with the Russian Federation,” he said.

He added that the visit “will open new horizons for cooperation in economic, commercial, cultural, tourism and educational fields”.

Diplomatic engagement between the two sides has gained momentum in recent years through high-level exchanges and regular political consultations. Among these was a meeting between President Putin and H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, when energy and tourism were highlighted as key sectors for collaboration.

By the end of 2024, trade between the two countries reached over RO133mn (US$346mn). Omani exports include mineral products and fertilisers, while imports from Russia comprise iron products and foodstuffs.

There were 277 registered companies in Oman with Russian participation in 2024, valued at more than RO11.6mn. These firms operate in wholesale and retail, professional services, IT, construction, hospitality, logistics, mining, and financial sectors.

Tuwaih said His Majesty the Sultan’s visit will witness the signing of ten agreements and memoranda of understanding, including mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders and establishment of Omani-Russian Joint Committee. Agreements are expected in fisheries, trade, media, climate and diplomacy.

“Concluding these agreements is a vital step in expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, education and tourism,” Tuwaih said.

He emphasised the growing tourism potential between the two nations, supported by the upcoming visa exemption. In 2024, around 11,000 Omanis visited Russia, a 70% increase from the previous year, while, 44,000 Russian tourists visited Oman.

Tuwaih also highlighted the growing cooperation in education and culture, including student exchanges and institutional collaborations, as well as long-standing museum partnerships. Parliamentary ties are also being developed to support legislative dialogue between the two countries.

Oleg Vladimirovich Levin, Russia’s Ambassador to Oman, said the visit would “open new paths for cooperation in various sectors”.

He called it “an ideal opportunity to deepen trust between the leaderships” and enable the signing of key agreements. He stressed that the visit would allow both countries to align on pressing international issues and reinforce their positions at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

Both sides are looking to move beyond trade in raw materials and pursue joint ventures in logistics, infrastructure, high technology and agriculture. Russia aims to tap into Oman’s strategic location, while Oman looks to benefit from Russian expertise in energy and innovation.