Watan – In Muscat’s grand halls, Omani and Russian officials meet, shining a light on the region’s complex politics. These talks have led many to wonder about Russia’s future plans with Oman.
Oman’s strategic location along key sea routes makes it especially important to Russia. As Al Khaleej Online reports, Oman’s neutral stance has made it a central diplomatic figure for many world powers.
Recently, senior Russian representatives have been in detailed discussions with Omani leaders. These conversations highlight the close relationship between the two countries. Russia’s efforts to connect with Gulf countries, especially given its tensions with Ukraine, have made it more distant from Western nations.
Oman’s Crown Prince, Dhi Yazan bin Haitham, recently hosted Nikolai Patrushev, the head of Russia’s Security Council. At the same time, Patrushev had detailed talks with Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani, a top Omani official, discussing many mutual concerns, as reported by the Oman News Agency.
Their main discussions revolved around key regional issues: the situation in Iran, challenges in Yemen, and improving relations between the Gulf countries and Iran. Mohammed Al Arimi, a leading Omani journalist, mentioned that both Oman and Russia aim to promote peace in the region, protect trade paths, and ensure smooth oil transportation.
Historically, the relationship between the two nations has been a tapestry of cooperation and contention. The Soviet era saw Moscow backing insurgencies against the Omani establishment. Yet, in a post-Cold War world, 1991 marked a diplomatic thaw as Oman emerged as an early recognizer of the newly formed Russian state.
Oman’s deft diplomatic maneuvers, from its collaboration with Saudi Arabia on Yemen to its role in Syria’s Arab League reintegration, underscore its growing stature. Economically, the sultanate, a beacon of oil and gas exports, stands on the cusp of deepening trade ties with Russia.
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