Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold his first meeting with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tareq Al Said.
The guest arrived in the Russian capital on Monday and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden.
Putin's only telephone conversation with Al Said took place on March 23, 2023. This was the first bilateral contact at the highest level since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Sultan of Oman is currently on a state visit to the Russian Federation - the highest level according to diplomatic protocol.
During the talks, "the main areas for further development of Russian-Omani cooperation, including trade and economic, financial and investment and cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as current issues on the international and regional agenda, will be discussed," the Kremlin said.
It is possible that one of the topics will be the Iranian nuclear program.
As Omani Ambassador to Russia Hamoud bin Salem al-Tuwaikh said, after the talks the delegations plan to sign 10 agreements, including the mutual abolition of visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports. A protocol on the establishment of a joint commission for trade, economic and technical cooperation is being prepared for signing.
The visit is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Muscat. According to the Oman News Agency, the Sultan is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation. It includes Deputy Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers for Defense Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Al Busaidi, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al Yusuf, Chairman of the Omani Sovereign Wealth Fund Abdel Salam Al Murshidi and other high-ranking officials.
On Thursday, Putin spoke in the Kremlin with the Emir of Qatar and received the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The Russian president also spoke by phone with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Russian leader's press secretary Dmitry Peskov reported.
The leaders discussed issues of bilateral cooperation. Putin also outlined to his South African counterpart Russia's position on resolving the Ukrainian crisis.