Oman strengthened its diplomatic ties with Russia and China as Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi met with new Ambassadors from both countries on recently. The minister received credential copies from Russia’s Oleg Vladimirovich Levin and China’s Lyu Jian.
Located on the southeastern Arabian Peninsula, Oman broke free from Portuguese control in 1650 and grew into the Sultanate of Oman by the 1700s. Its position at the Persian Gulf’s entrance has shaped its role in regional dynamics ever since.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chose Oleg Levin, an experienced Middle East diplomat, to take over from Ilya Morgunov. Levin studied at Moscow State Institute of International Relations and previously worked as Russia’s Consul General in Erbil, Iraq.
Lyu Jian arrived in Muscat on December 30, 2024. He plans to boost China-Oman cooperation by connecting China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Oman’s Vision 2040 development plan.
Minister Albusaidi discussed ways to enhance partnerships with both Ambassadors. Oman maintains its distinctive diplomatic approach, often helping resolve Middle Eastern disputes. The country stays neutral in regional conflicts, as shown by its balanced stance on Ukraine without joining Russian sanctions.
Oman and Russia began diplomatic relations in 1986, working together on energy and trade projects. China has also become one of Oman’s key economic partners.
These diplomatic changes come as regional powers shift. In March 2024, China, Russia, and Iran held joint naval exercises in Omani waters, showing their growing military collaboration.
Oman’s mix of strategic location, political stability, and practical foreign policy makes it an ideal partner as global powers look to expand their Middle Eastern influence. These new ambassadors could lead to stronger partnerships and more open dialogue between the nations.
