Lead

Russian officials have pointed to Oman as a promising trade partner amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements made at the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum" in Kazan. Sergey Katyrin, head of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told TASS on May 14 that Oman is becoming a key logistics hub in the region, opening opportunities for increased trade with Russia. The remarks come as the forum, running from May 12 to 17, hosts a large Omani delegation of about 60 people.

Coverage Comparison

The two reports from TASS — the only outlet whose coverage is reflected here — both focus on the economic and logistical dimensions of Russia-Oman relations. The first, quoting Sergey Katyrin, frames the Strait of Hormuz closure as a catalyst for Oman's growing strategic importance. The second report, based on remarks by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin at the Russia-Oman Business Forum, emphasizes the potential for transport corridor development, particularly along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and highlights areas of mutual interest including tourism and industry. Neither report offers a dissenting or alternative perspective; both present the Russian official positions in a positive light.

Key Claims

  • Russia can boost trade with Oman due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as Oman is becoming a key logistics country for both human traffic and cargo, according to Sergey Katyrin.
  • Oman has a large delegation of about 60 people at the 17th International Economic Forum in Kazan, as reported by TASS.
  • Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE dominate trade among Islamic countries, Katyrin noted.
  • Russia has maintained relations with all Islamic countries despite sanctions, and no Islamic country has supported sanctions against Russia, according to Katyrin.
  • Russia and Oman have "extensive potential" to develop transit cargo traffic along the INSTC by creating an end-to-end logistical service, said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
  • The development of international corridors and access roads, including the North-South, West-East, and Europe-Western China routes, remains a key priority for Russia, Khusnullin added.
  • The number of Omani tourists in Russia doubled by the end of 2025, and demand from Russian citizens to visit Omani resorts is growing, according to Khusnullin.
  • Prospects for cooperation exist in industry, energy, trade, agriculture, and road construction, Khusnullin stated.
These claims are based solely on the two TASS articles. No other source's reporting is presented here, and the information reflects the statements of Russian officials as relayed by the state news agency.