Astana:Preparations are underway in the Kazakh capital for the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Kazakhstan. The visit, set for tomorrow, has seen the national flags of Oman and Kazakhstan displayed prominently around Astana, particularly near the Independence Palace.
According to Oman News Agency, Kazakh media have been covering the significance of Sultan Haitham's visit, which marks a new milestone in the more than three-decade-long relationship between the two countries. The visit will focus on strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in economic, commercial, investment, and cultural fields. His Majesty is scheduled to meet with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and participate in the Kazakh-Omani Economic Forum.
Kazinform highlighted the strategic importance of Omani ports for Kazakhstan, which is a landlocked country. These ports provide a route to the Gulf and Indian Ocean markets, enhancing the logistical dimension of their bilateral relations. Moreover, an investment cooperation agreement signed last April has already led to a joint investment portfolio with projects valued at around USD 3 billion.
Kazakhstan Today emphasized that this is Sultan Haitham's first visit to Kazakhstan and Central Asia. His discussions with President Tokayev and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to open new partnership opportunities, particularly in transport and logistics services.
The 24KZ channel and other Kazakh media outlets have also highlighted the visit, focusing on the potential for enhanced cooperation in multiple sectors.
Kazakh strategic expert Dmitry Popazov noted that relations between Oman and Kazakhstan are moving towards actionable projects, citing the purchase of a stake by Oman's 'Asyad' in a Kazakh rail transport company as an example. This acquisition integrates Omani interests directly into the Kazakh agricultural export chain.
Kazakhstan's lack of direct sea access makes Oman's ports critical for its exports. Both nations are exploring ways to utilize Oman's strategic location to facilitate Kazakh goods reaching broader markets. Oman's role as a transit and transshipment hub is a key point in these discussions.
