Earlier in the day, Khusnullin met with Omani Economy Minister Said Mohammed Al Saqri on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" in Tatarstan's capital city of Kazan. Tatarstan Head Rustam Minnikhanov also attended the meeting.
"Marat Khusnullin said that Oman is one of Russia's important economic partners. At the end of 2023, the trade between Russia and Oman grew by 60% to exceed $400 million. [The two countries have] great prospects for cooperation — in tourism, energy, construction and logistics, primarily in connection with the project of the North-South Transport Corridor," Minnikhanov's office said in a statement.
At the meeting, the officials discussed further cooperation between Oman and Russia in a number of areas as well as expanding contacts in economy, science and culture, the statement read. Russia treasures its friendly and lasting strategic relations with Oman, Khusnullin was cited as saying
Al Saqri confirmed that the trade between the two countries grew significantly, adding that there are ways to expand it even more.
"We appreciate the current level of interaction and will be glad to expand our cooperation, including in new directions," the Omani minister was quoted in the same statement as saying.
He also said he would be happy to personally discuss with Minnikhanov the options for Oman's economic cooperation with Tatarstan.
In turn, Minnikhanov highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Oman and Russia. The accumulated positive experience of bilateral cooperation will contribute to the further development of good relations between the countries, the Russian official also said, adding that Tatarstan, which is a Muslim-majority region, is very much interested in cooperating in Halal industry and Shariah-compliant finance.
"We have good opportunities for developing our cooperation," he said.
Kazan is hosting the KazanForum in cooperation with the Saudi-based IOC from May 14-19. The 15th edition of the forum seeks to strengthen economic, industrial, scientific, social and cultural ties between Russia and IOC nations. Khusnullin is heading the organizing committee of the event.