MOSCOW, Russia / EuroWire.IO / – On October 20, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia’s trade with Oman has achieved its highest level in ten years. During the first seven months of 2026, bilateral commerce surged 22 times to reach $1.5 billion. Shoigu shared these figures during discussions in Moscow with Idris Al-Kindi, who is the Secretary General of Oman’s National Security Council. This outcome already surpasses the $1 billion goal the two nations had targeted for 2027.
According to Shoigu, Russia and Oman possess all necessary prospects to sustain the positive momentum and set new records. He emphasized Moscow’s intention to develop cooperation with Muscat across sectors of mutual interest and to implement agreements reached by the respective heads of state. The meeting was part of ongoing interagency consultations between the two security councils. The previous round of talks took place in Muscat in November 2025.
TASS reported that a roadmap for enhanced security collaboration covering 2026 to 2028 was anticipated to be signed during the discussions. The Russian Security Council’s press service stated that the goal is to strengthen the bilateral legal and treaty framework. Shoigu also revealed plans to establish military attaché offices at the Russian Embassy in Muscat and the Omani Embassy in Moscow, which he said would happen shortly.
Food and Energy Drive New Trade Partnerships
Over the past four years leading up to 2024, trade between Russia and Oman increased by 62.3%, according to Russia’s Pivot to Asia, which relayed Shoigu’s remarks. While hydrocarbons remain a significant component, exchanges now also encompass agriculture, metals, petrochemicals, machinery, and IT services. Maritime logistics and food commodities are also part of the expanding trade portfolio. Russian investments in Omani energy and logistics projects have contributed to this growth. This trend aligns with a broader increase in Russian non-energy exports in 2026.
In 2025, Russia initiated large shipments of refrigerated meat to Oman. Rising population and higher income levels have driven Omani demand for meat, with domestic poultry consumption expected to reach 102,000 tonnes in 2026, according to reports. The country’s agriculture market is projected to reach $2.86 billion by 2030. Russian grain, poultry, and processed food exporters see significant potential for expansion as Oman aims for greater food self-sufficiency.
Ports and Tourism Boost Bilateral Relations
Moscow regards Oman as a strategic southern hub for the International North-South Transport Corridor, which links Russia with Iran, Central Asia, India, the Gulf, and East Africa. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has highlighted Oman’s advantageous geographic position for port development, noting that the ports could facilitate access to other Middle Eastern markets and Africa. Russia has also discussed the corridor in trade talks with India.
Tourism has increasingly become a bridge connecting the two nations. According to the publication, the number of Russian tourists visiting Oman surged by 87% in 2025, reaching approximately 80,000 visitors. Both countries maintain a mutual visa-free agreement, and more Russian firms are establishing subsidiaries in Oman to tap into its special economic zones. The publication also pointed to the competitive infrastructure at ports like Salalah, Duqm, Sohar, and Muscat as additional attractions for travelers and investors alike.