ASTANA — His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik said on Tuesday that Oman and Kazakhstan have significant opportunities to expand trade and transport links, with Omani ports serving as gateways to major markets in the Gulf, Asia and Africa.

Speaking at the Palace of Independence in Astana during his state visit, His Majesty said Kazakhstan’s strategic position in Central Asia and Oman’s location at the intersection of major maritime trade routes offered scope to strengthen connectivity between the two countries and their wider regions.

He identified trade and investment, energy and mining, transport and logistics, food security, financial services, tourism, digital technologies and artificial intelligence as areas for closer partnership.

Oman and Kazakhstan share a friendship built over more than three decades on mutual respect, trust and a commitment to constructive cooperation, His Majesty said, according to the speech published by Oman News Agency.

He said the meeting reaffirmed the strength of those relations and a shared ambition to develop them further.

His Majesty also welcomed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding during the visit, saying they would give fresh momentum to cooperation and create opportunities for institutions and private businesses in both countries.

Turning to regional and international affairs, he said Oman and Kazakhstan shared a commitment to dialogue, peaceful engagement and respect for international law.

Those principles remained a firm foundation for stability, security and prosperity at a time of regional and global turbulence, he said.

His Majesty thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Kazakh government and the people of Kazakhstan for their welcome and hospitality.