The first-ever state visit by the Sultan of Oman to Kazakhstan provided an occasion to discuss new areas of interaction and the development of ties between the two countries, the website infohub.kz reports.
Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman, who arrived in the country on a state visit. The two sides discussed the development of bilateral relations and the expansion of cooperation.
"Your Majesty! It is a great honor and pleasure for me to receive you on a state visit in Kazakhstan – the first visit by a Sultan of Oman to our country in history. I am convinced that this visit is of historic significance, as you are opening a new chapter in the multifaceted cooperation between our countries, which must be intensified and taken to a new level. As we have already noted, there is enormous potential for mutual cooperation that must be unlocked and fully realized," Qasym-Jomart Toqaev said.
The President stressed that he would make efforts to ensure Kazakhstan becomes a reliable partner for Oman.
"Oman is held in great respect in Kazakhstan. Today many of our citizens visit your beautiful country. At the same time, quite a few Kazakhstanis have not yet been to Muscat and other cities of Oman. Naturally, with the launch of additional direct commercial flights between our countries, our citizens will visit your country much more actively. I have also been informed that a ceremony to sign an important agreement concerning the Dunga oil field was held as part of your visit. I believe this is also evidence of our mutual interest and readiness to move forward, as well as a symbol of joint progress," the head of state said.
The Sultan of Oman expressed gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan for the hospitality extended to him.
"Over the past three decades, our ties have indeed advanced and strengthened considerably. Our visit today is intended to consolidate the results achieved and take bilateral relations to a new level. During the visit we will sign several agreements and memorandums of understanding. I am confident that, with your support, we will be able to build very strong contacts in the economic, political and cultural-humanitarian spheres. We would like more and more Omani citizens to visit Kazakhstan, and also for more Kazakh citizens to come to Oman. Allow me once again to thank you, Mr. President, for the hospitality extended to us. I also hope to see you in Muscat in the very near future," Haitham bin Tariq Al Said stressed.