His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman began a two-day state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan on October 5, marking a significant step in bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aims to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including political dialogue, economic ties, investment, transport, and cultural exchanges.
Preparations in Astana, the Kazakh capital, included the display of the national flags of Oman and Kazakhstan along major roads and near the Independence Palace, signaling the importance of the visit. Kazakh media have widely covered the event, highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two countries, which has spanned over three decades.
Central to the discussions are prospects for expanding economic and commercial cooperation. Last April, Oman and Kazakhstan signed an investment cooperation agreement, setting the framework for a joint investment portfolio of five major projects valued at around $3 billion. The Sultanate’s strategic ports were a focal point, as Kazakhstan views them as critical access routes to markets in the Gulf region and the Indian Ocean. This logistical dimension is seen as vital for Kazakhstan, a landlocked country seeking efficient routes for its exports.
Reports from local media detailed that Sultan Haitham’s visit marks his first to Kazakhstan and the broader Central Asia region. Talks with President Tokayev are expected to result in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing collaboration in areas such as transport and investment. In particular, the transport and logistics sectors are under consideration, including the potential for exporting Kazakh products—such as wheat, grain, metals, and industrial goods—via Omani ports.
A Kazakh strategic expert, Dmitry Popazov, emphasized that bilateral relations are moving beyond discussions toward tangible projects. He cited the example of the Asytrans Company, involved in rail transport of agricultural commodities, in which the Omani Asyad company acquired a stake in May 2025. This integration exemplifies how Omani investment is becoming embedded in Kazakhstan’s export infrastructure.
Both countries are exploring ways to leverage Oman’s geographic advantage and infrastructure to facilitate Kazakh exports reaching broader markets. Given Kazakhstan’s landlocked position, the use of Omani ports for transit and transshipment is viewed as a practical solution to enhance trade connectivity.
The visit also includes the Kazakh-Omani Economic Forum, where the two leaders will discuss further cooperation to elevate relations to new levels that serve their mutual interests. This diplomatic engagement underscores a shared commitment to deepening ties at a time when both nations seek to diversify and strengthen their economic partnerships.