Oman, Russia forge stronger trade and tourism ties
Published: 03:04 PM,Apr 26,2025 | EDITED : 07:04 PM,Apr 26,2025
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MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation have launched a new era of economic cooperation, signing a series of agreements, memoranda of understanding, and protocols during the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to Russia on April 21–22.
Key agreements included a protocol on economic and technical cooperation, an agreement on mutual visa exemption, a draft pact to establish a joint economic committee, and memoranda covering transport and transit, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, fisheries collaboration, and private sector investment promotion.
Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, highlighted the significance of building on the historical ties between Oman and Russia, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
“The visit reflects continuous efforts at both government and private sector levels. Oman and Russia enjoy deep, constructive relations, and we aim to enhance economic integration, strengthen supply chains, and explore new areas like digital transformation and the green economy,” he said.
Al Yousef emphasised Oman’s commitment to creating a secure and attractive investment climate, positioning the Sultanate as a reliable international partner.
In the private sector, Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the memorandum signed between the Chamber and Russia’s Roscongress Foundation.
“This is an important step in expanding partnerships, boosting trade relations, and opening new avenues for investment between business communities in both countries,” he said.
He added that the agreement will accelerate economic cooperation, encourage joint projects, and strengthen Oman’s standing as a player in international trade.
Tourism was another major focus. Haitham bin Mohammed al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the mutual visa exemption agreement will stimulate tourism flows between the two countries.
“The agreement allows Russian tourists to stay longer without visa hassles, aligning with the Ministry’s promotional efforts in Russia. With direct flights now operating year-round between Oman and Moscow, we expect a sharp increase in visitor numbers,” he noted.
In 2024 alone, over 44,000 Russian tourists visited Oman.
Meanwhile, in the fisheries sector, Dr. Masoud bin Sulaiman al Azri, Director General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing, welcomed the memorandum signed with Russia’s Federal Fisheries Agency.
“This partnership will enhance bilateral cooperation in marine resource development, foster joint investments in fishing and aquaculture, and drive scientific research collaboration,” he said.
Al Azri emphasized that cooperation with Russia, a global leader in fisheries, would help transfer expertise, boost food security, and improve the global competitiveness of Omani fish products.
The visit and agreements mark the beginning of a broader, more dynamic partnership between Oman and Russia — one focused on mutual growth across multiple sectors. — ONA
Key agreements included a protocol on economic and technical cooperation, an agreement on mutual visa exemption, a draft pact to establish a joint economic committee, and memoranda covering transport and transit, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, fisheries collaboration, and private sector investment promotion.
Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, highlighted the significance of building on the historical ties between Oman and Russia, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
“The visit reflects continuous efforts at both government and private sector levels. Oman and Russia enjoy deep, constructive relations, and we aim to enhance economic integration, strengthen supply chains, and explore new areas like digital transformation and the green economy,” he said.
Al Yousef emphasised Oman’s commitment to creating a secure and attractive investment climate, positioning the Sultanate as a reliable international partner.
In the private sector, Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the memorandum signed between the Chamber and Russia’s Roscongress Foundation.
“This is an important step in expanding partnerships, boosting trade relations, and opening new avenues for investment between business communities in both countries,” he said.
He added that the agreement will accelerate economic cooperation, encourage joint projects, and strengthen Oman’s standing as a player in international trade.
Tourism was another major focus. Haitham bin Mohammed al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said the mutual visa exemption agreement will stimulate tourism flows between the two countries.
“The agreement allows Russian tourists to stay longer without visa hassles, aligning with the Ministry’s promotional efforts in Russia. With direct flights now operating year-round between Oman and Moscow, we expect a sharp increase in visitor numbers,” he noted.
In 2024 alone, over 44,000 Russian tourists visited Oman.
Meanwhile, in the fisheries sector, Dr. Masoud bin Sulaiman al Azri, Director General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing, welcomed the memorandum signed with Russia’s Federal Fisheries Agency.
“This partnership will enhance bilateral cooperation in marine resource development, foster joint investments in fishing and aquaculture, and drive scientific research collaboration,” he said.
Al Azri emphasized that cooperation with Russia, a global leader in fisheries, would help transfer expertise, boost food security, and improve the global competitiveness of Omani fish products.
The visit and agreements mark the beginning of a broader, more dynamic partnership between Oman and Russia — one focused on mutual growth across multiple sectors. — ONA