Muscat: The upcoming summit between His Majesty the Sultan and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin is more than a ceremonial event—it is a strategic milestone. As both nations celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations established on September 26, 1985, this state visit—the highest form of diplomatic engagement—underscores the growing depth and mutual trust between the two countries.
Omani-Russian relations have witnessed a notable transformation over recent years, expanding from political consultation to robust collaboration across economic, cultural, and educational sectors. By the end of 2024, trade between the two countries had exceeded 346 million USD (over RO 133 million), with Oman exporting mineral products, fertilizers, and aluminum, while importing Russian iron, wheat, machinery, and coal products.
Currently, 277 companies with Russian participation operate in Oman, investing in diverse sectors including construction, ICT, retail, and logistics. The anticipated signing of 10 agreements and MoUs during His Majesty’s visit—including mutual visa exemptions for ordinary passport holders—is expected to enhance this momentum.
The visit also reinforces a shared vision on global affairs, with both countries emphasizing diplomacy, state sovereignty, and non-interference. Parliamentary and high-level delegations have further cemented bilateral trust, while platforms like the Omani-Russian Business Council and Oman’s role as guest of honor at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in 2024 highlight private-sector synergy.
Tourism is another promising area. In 2024, over 44,000 Russian tourists visited Oman, while Omani visitors to Russia grew by 70% from the previous year. The mutual visa waiver is expected to accelerate two-way travel. Cultural cooperation, too, is thriving. From exhibitions at the Hermitage and Tretyakov Gallery to joint restoration efforts and exchange of museum artifacts, Oman and Russia are deepening their civilizational dialogue.
Educational initiatives such as Omani publication corners at Russian universities and student exchanges further support this cultural bridge. Notably, the Russian-language version of the National Museum’s website and the “Russian Seasons” cultural festival in Oman serve as testaments to this flourishing partnership.
Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage Museum, described the cultural cooperation as a model for international collaboration in a multipolar world, with Oman-Russia museum ties serving as a flagship of successful cultural diplomacy.
