Saturday 27 / April / 2024
Muscat: Oman and Russia are together taking efforts to provide visa-free travel to citizens of both countries.
At a joint press conference in Muscat, Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, alongside his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, said, “The Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation will shortly sign a set of agreements on avoidance of double taxation and visa waivers for citizens of the two countries."
Lavrov, on a visit to the Sultanate, stressed his country’s keenness to “augment the volume of exchange in a manner that responds to the aspirations of the two sides, notably through a raft of bilateral agreements, including one on mutual waiving of visas for each other’s citizens.”
Both countries reaffirmed their drive to foster cooperation in all fields and sign agreements that enhance bilateral relations and open up wide vistas to serve the common interests of the two friendly peoples.
Another agreement mentioned by Lavrov was on “cooperation between the Russian Museum and Oman National Museum.”
He added that his discussion with the Omani side also covered ways to foster cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism, arts and information technology—among other spheres that contribute to developing bilateral relations and activating the joint action committee.
Lavrov pointed out that he briefed the Omani side about the Russian operations in Ukraine and their geopolitical dimensions.
He described the Omani side’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis as “balanced and constructive” and based on accommodating Omani national interests. The Russian minister also voiced his country’s appreciation for Oman’s stance on the Syrian issue. He added, “It is time Syria rejoined the Arab League. We are confident that Oman is capable of practically promoting this approach.”
He also hailed Oman’s role in addressing a host of regional issues, which made its capital, Muscat, “a highly sought-after destination for the settlement of crises”.
Speaking about the Palestinian issue, Lavrov said the Russian side conveyed to the Omani side its deep conviction on the significance of activating negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis for the achievement of a comprehensive solution to this historic issue.
On his turn, Sayyid Badr said, “Our discussions with the Russian side covered many issues of common concern in the regional and international arenas”.
Sayyid Badr stressed that Oman backs all international efforts, notably through the United Nations, to bolster security and stability in the (Middle East) region and underscore the importance of dialogue and negotiation about the causes of the Ukrainian crisis in a manner that ensures the realisation of security and peace for all.
Sayyid Badr said that the Sultanate of Oman is following up conditions in Ukraine with extreme concern—urging all parties to exercise self-control and to resolve disputes in a peaceful manner, to avoid escalating the volatile situation.
He also expressed gratitude for the role of Russia in Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear talks sponsored by the 5+1 Group of states. He added, “Despite recent low inspiration to advance the nuclear talks, we still hope that logic will prove victor in cementing an accord. We support all efforts to this effect.”
He explained that the Sultanate of Oman is completely committed to the United Nations’ mandates. “We stand by the rules of the International Law,” he said, affirming Oman’s commitment to the agreements based on the OPEC+ Group.
With inputs from ONA
