Estonia formin visiting Oman, Saudi Arabia with business delegation

TALLINN – Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is on a visit to the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Sept. 7 to 11 with the aim of intensifying bilateral relations with the countries, discussing global security challenges, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, and promoting opportunities for Estonian businesses in the Gulf markets.

During the visit, Tsahkna will meet, among others, with the foreign ministers of Oman and Saudi Arabia. The foreign minister will be accompanied by an Estonian business delegation, ministry spokespeople said.

"The Gulf countries are one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world, which is why Estonian companies are showing great interest in operating there. The IT, green energy, food, and maritime sectors are considered to have the greatest potential. The Gulf region is one of the focus areas of Estonia’s business diplomacy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency is working to support the activities of Estonian companies in the Gulf states," Tsahkna said ahead of his visit.

The business delegation accompanying the foreign minister comprises 17 companies, including AuveTech, Bolt, Nortal and Stargate Hydrogen, a company developing hydrogen production technology.

According to Marko Virkebau, CEO of Stargate Hydrogen, which has been operating in Saudi Arabia for over two years, the company is collaborating with both the NEOM future city project and the leading university KAUST.

"We have two main goals in Saudi Arabia: first, to sell our electrolyzers, and second, to deepen research and development cooperation. During the visit, we will meet with both existing partners and new clients. Being part of the official business delegation is extremely valuable for us, as it opens doors in the region and creates opportunities for collaboration," Virkebau, who will also sign two cooperation agreements during the visit -- one concerning regional expansion and the other the delivery of technology, said.