Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Oman and Russia’s bilateral relations have grown significantly, driven by socioeconomic development in Oman and wider geopolitics in the Middle East.
In 2023, Russian and Omani officials exchanged several visits. In July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made his first visit to Muscat since 2016. In September, a Russian delegation of law enforcement agency representatives, the Rosatom State Corporation, and the central bank visited Oman. Just three months later, the Omani minister of culture, sports, and youth, Crown Prince Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al-Said, traveled to Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two countries have since worked to strengthen economic ties. In 2023, Oman’s foreign minister said the country was working with Russia on reaching a mutual investment promotion agreement. Oman also participated as an honorary guest at the 2024 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and at the 2024 international economic forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum.” In October 2024, Muscat hosted the business mission “Made in Russia,” with 39 Russian companies from a range of sectors. Trade ties have grown drastically: In 2010 trade turnover between the countries was $12 million and exceeded $400 million by 2023. However, the trade balance has tilted in favor of Russia – in 2022, Russia exported $246.8 million in goods to Oman and imported only $4 million.
Read the full article on the Arab Gulf States Institute.