Photo exhibition marks 40 years of Oman-Russia diplomatic ties

Muscat: A photography exhibition is being held at the National Museum to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations between Oman and Russia.
The Embassy of the Russian Federation held an official reception and photo exhibition on Monday to commemorate the occasion, and the same evening saw the launch of the Musical Seasons.
The launch of the “Rosconcert” Musical Seasons at the National Museum was a treat for the audience. The event was held under the auspices of Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs. The diplomatic relations have recently seen a rise in trade and investment exchanges, and many agreements and memoranda of cooperation have been signed, reflecting the attention both friendly countries devote to strengthening their partnership.
The 26th of September 1985 marks the beginning of these relations. By 1987, diplomatic missions were opened in both Muscat and Moscow, and this cooperation was culminated by the historic state visit paid by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Russian Federation in April of this year.
The exhibition features a unique collection of historical photographs from the archives of Russian foreign policy, allowing visitors to trace the development of Omani–Russian relations from their inception to the present day. It also includes photographs of important meetings and occasions, in addition to rare historical documents.
Meanwhile, the “Rosconcert” foundation launched the Musical Seasons at the National Museum, where Dinara Alieva, the world-renowned opera star and soprano at the Bolshoi Theatre, and Igor Morozov, tenor at the Helikon Opera and a regular guest performer at the Mariinsky and Bolshoi Theatres, presented operatic performances at the National Museum. They were accompanied by pianist Liubov Venzhik, an artist honoured by the Russian Federation.
The Musical Seasons will also include six additional musical performances to be held through the end of this year.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, said, “It gives me great pleasure to be with you today to celebrate one of the events marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation.'
The Omani–Russian relations have witnessed significant progress in recent years, the highlight of which was the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Russian Federation.
Al Harthy also noted the growing number of Omani tourists visiting the Russian Federation and Russian tourists visiting the Sultanate of Oman. Recently, a visa exemption agreement was implemented between the two countries, allowing citizens of both nations to travel visa-free.