Kazakhstan, Oman agree to deepen strategic partnership in energy, transport and digitalization
Astana: Kazakhstan and Oman have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership across energy, transport, logistics, agriculture, investment and digital technologies, as Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said paid his first visit to Central Asia.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Sultan Haitham held extensive talks in Astana on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Welcoming the Omani leader, Tokayev described Oman as a “time-tested and reliable partner” of Kazakhstan in the Arab world, noting that the two countries would mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.
“We have laid a solid foundation for moving to a new dynamic stage of partnership,” Tokayev said, underscoring the two sides’ resolve to further strengthen political, economic and commercial ties.
The two leaders adopted a joint statement outlining the key priorities of bilateral cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to developing relations based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests.
The statement identifies trade and investment, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, digital technologies, education and tourism as major areas for expanded cooperation.
Tokayev highlighted a number of ongoing joint projects involving the two countries, including the development of the Dunga oil field, the operations of Solidcore Resources in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar and North Kazakhstan regions, a joint investment fund with the Oman Investment Authority, and projects in the hotel and resort sector.
New agreements to boost investment ties
During Sultan Haitham’s visit, Kazakhstan and Oman signed a series of agreements aimed at strengthening investment, business and institutional cooperation.
These included an intergovernmental agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments, an air services agreement, and an agreement establishing the Oman-Kazakhstan Business Council.
The two sides also signed an agreement establishing a joint investment fund and an agreement setting the terms for the Eurasian Development Bank’s presence in Oman.
Several interagency memoranda were also concluded to promote cooperation in various fields.
The two countries agreed to diversify bilateral trade, remove trade barriers and improve market access for products from both markets. They also expressed support for greater investment cooperation in energy, natural resources, manufacturing, food production, healthcare, logistics, tourism, renewable energy and mining.
Transport connectivity emerges as key priority
Transport and logistics connectivity featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides recognising the strategic importance of stronger links between Central Asia and the Gulf region.
Kazakhstan and Oman agreed to explore the development of efficient transport corridors connecting Central Asian markets with the Gulf, the Middle East and Africa, creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
The two countries also agreed to work towards launching direct and regular air services as soon as possible. Improved air connectivity is expected to facilitate business exchanges, tourism and people-to-people contacts while strengthening economic links between the two regions.
Sultan Haitham said Oman saw significant opportunities for increased growth, investment and cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Energy and digital cooperation
Energy emerged as another important area of bilateral cooperation, with the two countries expressing interest in joint projects involving energy, petrochemicals, manufacturing and processing.
Agriculture and food security were also identified as promising areas for closer cooperation, reflecting the two countries’ interest in expanding economic ties beyond traditional sectors.
The two sides further agreed to promote cooperation in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation and human capital development.
Partnerships among technology companies, innovation hubs and academic institutions will be encouraged through knowledge-sharing initiatives, joint projects and greater institutional interaction.
The leaders also expressed interest in expanding educational cooperation through student and academic exchanges, joint programmes and collaborative research.
At the conclusion of the visit, Sultan Haitham thanked President Tokayev for his hospitality and reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to further strengthening relations with Kazakhstan.
He also invited President Tokayev to visit the Sultanate of Oman, providing an opportunity to continue the high-level dialogue and advance the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.