Omani Minister Visits Kazakhstan; Tokayev and Minister Discuss Potential Economic and Cultural Collaboration
Kazakhstan and Oman Strengthen Ties in Multiple Sectors
Astana, Kazakhstan - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi on February 25, signaling a significant stride in bolstering bilateral relations between the nations.
During the meeting, President Tokayev described Oman as a reliable and longstanding partner of Kazakhstan and expressed his intent to intensify collaboration across various domains, according to Akorda. He applauded Oman's growing significance among Kazakh citizens, including businesspeople and cultural figures, and emphasized the need for a more multifaceted and productive collaboration between the two countries.
Minister Al Busaidi appreciated the warm welcome and acknowledged Kazakhstan's rapid economic growth and strategic position in the region. He commended Kazakhstan's foreign policy aimed at fostering justice, promoting universal peace, and ensuring security and prosperity.
The officials discussed vital areas for future collaboration, including transport and logistics, agriculture, culture, and digitalization. One of the main topics under discussion was the prospective establishment of direct air services between Kazakhstan and Oman, which would help reinforce bilateral ties and facilitate travel and trade between the two nations.
Additionally, regional security and opportunities for closer cooperation within multilateral organizations were discussed.
Later, Minister Al Busaidi met with Murat Nurtleu, Kazakhstan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister. The conversation revolved around expanding cooperation across various sectors, particularly energy, transport, logistics, finance, and agriculture. There was an emphasis on enhancing transit routes between Kazakhstan and Oman.
Both officials emphasized the strategic importance of their countries as key regional logistics hubs and underscored the significance of the Kazakhstan-Oman Intergovernmental Commission, set to hold its first meeting in the latter half of 2025. Nurtleu lauded Oman as a crucial partner in the Middle East and expressed optimism about further strengthening ties between the two nations.
Al Busaidi reiterated Oman's commitment to cementing bilateral relations and suggested exploring direct flights between the countries. He also proposed establishing a Private Equity Fund to foster trade and economic interaction in the region, which Nurtleu welcomed.
Mutual cultural and people-to-people exchanges were recognized, with a 37% increase in Kazakh citizens visiting Oman last year. In response, Oman extended the visa-free regime for Kazakh citizens to 30 days, a decision aimed at boosting tourism and easing mutual travel.
The meetings concluded with the signing of a Roadmap for Cooperation, outlining key areas for future collaboration between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and Oman.
Enrichment Data:- The joint projects explored between Kazakhstan and Oman encompass agriculture, wool processing, and tourism. There is mutual interest in enhancing infrastructure and logistics, as demonstrated by Oman’s Sohar Free Zone, and opportunities in mining and industrial processing are also of interest for potential Omani investors.- Both nations are progressing toward finalizing an Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments, which would provide legal guarantees for investors, enhance protection of capital, and lay a foundation for stronger bilateral economic cooperation. Negotiations aim to address the remaining provisions in the agreement.- Kazakhstan views Oman as a promising regional partner and is willing to support joint industrial projects and facilitate Omani investment in key sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy.- Both sides emphasized the importance of moving from dialogue to practical implementation of joint projects and have planned further consultations at the ministerial level to deepen cooperation across all agreed areas.
- In the meeting between Kazakhstan's and Oman's top officials, discussions was held on intensifying collaboration across various sectors such as transport and logistics, agriculture, culture, digitalization, energy, and finance.
- Recognizing the growing significance of Oman among Kazakh citizens, President Tokayev emphasized the need for a more multifaceted and productive collaboration in the finance sector, aside from transport, agriculture, culture, and digitalization.
