Russia-Oman talks

Vladimir Putin with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
Photo: Kremlin.ru

Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who is in Russia on a state visit, Kremlin informs.

The talks continued in expanded format as a state breakfast.

Following the state visit by the Sultan of Oman to the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin and Haitham bin Tariq Al Said issued a joint statement.

In addition, a package of documents was signed following the talks, including an intergovernmental agreement on the mutual cancellation of visa requirements, the Protocol of Amendments to the Intergovernmental Treaty on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation dated November 24, 1994; memoranda of understanding between respective agencies on climate change and low-carbon development, transport and transit, cooperation in combating legalisation (laundering) of proceeds from crime and financing of terrorism, and on cooperation in the fishing industry.

Memoranda of understanding were also signed on information exchange between Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency, RT Arabic and the Ministry of Information of the Sultanate of Oman, a memorandum of understanding between Russia’s Roscongress Foundation and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and memoranda of understanding on training and retraining of diplomatic personnel and in the sphere of scientific research and education.

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Beginning of Russia-Oman talks in narrow format.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

“Your Majesty, friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to Moscow. First, I would like to thank you for accepting the invitation and coming here on this visit.

Your Majesty, people in Russia have come to know you quite well, as you have visited our country many times. Moreover, in 1985, you were the one to sign the agreement establishing diplomatic relations between our two countries. This year, we will be marking the 40th anniversary of our diplomatic ties.

We have built a very solid foundation and remain committed to expanding our contacts. Preparations for your visit included drafting a substantial package of documents. There is no doubt that it will provide additional impetus and serve as an effective legal framework for developing our relations across all sectors and tracks.

We have much to accomplish in terms of developing our trade and economic ties. However, we already have what it takes to expand our ties in logistics, transport, mutual investment, and agriculture. Our colleagues have been working along these lines, including at the level of our respective state funds.

We continue to supply food products to Oman and also anticipate further progress in the energy sector, where we can take further steps, considering that Russian companies are eager to strengthen their relations with Oman.

We will discuss all these matters during today’s talks, and I know that you met with Russian businesses this morning.

You are well aware, of course, that Russia plans to hold a summit with Arab countries this year – our foreign ministries have probably been in touch on this matter. Many of our friends in the Arab world have supported this idea. If you have the time, Your Majesty, we would be glad to see you at the Arab League–Russia summit.

We are delighted to see you, Your Majesty. Welcome to Russia!”

Before the meeting in the narrow format, the President of Russia hosted an official welcome ceremony for the Sultan of Oman during which the two heads of state presented their respective delegations.
Photo: Kremlin.ru

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said (retranslated):

“Mr President, thank you very much for your invitation to visit your friendly country, and for the warm welcome and hospitality. We are delighted to visit Moscow once again.

I visited Russia earlier, when I was a minister. Our countries enjoy strong relations that we develop in the interests of our nations. I am making this visit today as a head of state rather than as the head of an agency or ministry.

Forty years ago, we signed the Treaty on Establishing Diplomatic Relations. Over this period, significant changes have occurred. We strive to achieve a privileged level for our relations that would be beneficial for our nations.

This morning, we met with representatives of Russian businesses, and we are highly interested in developing these contacts. There are many potential areas for cooperation, including energy, agriculture and trade. I encouraged the representatives of Russian businesses to open their branches and representative offices in Oman, to visit us and to attract mutual investment.

Our investment authority is in active cooperation with several Russian bodies and agencies. I believe that we must maintain this approach.

I am very grateful to all Russian officials who have visited Muscat in the past two or three years. I also want their Omani counterparts to visit Moscow and other Russian cities more often.”

Vladimir Putin with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said after the meeting in the narrow format.
Photo: Kremln.ru