Leaders discuss ways to elevate bilateral relations

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held a private meeting with President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana, at the Presidential Palace in the capital, Gaborone on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to elevate bilateral relations to broader domains and to explore new opportunities for cooperation. They affirmed the importance of building upon the accord and understanding that binds them, in a manner that fulfils the ambitions and aspirations of the two countries’ peoples.
Attending the meeting from the Omani side was Abdulsalam bin Mohammed al Murshidi, President of Oman Investment Authority, and Dr Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations (Head of the Mission of Honour).
Meanwhile, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana, have affirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. They agreed to deepen and broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation, drawing on the comparative and competitive advantages of both countries in areas of mutual interest.
This was stated in a Joint Communiqué issued on the occasion of the state visit undertaken by His Majesty the Sultan to the Republic of Botswana.
The following is the text of the Communiqué: “In response to an invitation extended by President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a state visit to the Republic of Botswana on September 16–17. The visit constituted an important milestone in the course of relations between the Republic of Botswana and the Sultanate of Oman, and affirmed the bonds of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation that unite the two countries.
During the visit, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Duma Gideon Boko held official talks, which were conducted in an atmosphere of amity and cordiality.
His Majesty the Sultan expressed his appreciation to the government and people of the Republic of Botswana for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to His Majesty and the accompanying delegation.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik congratulated President Duma Gideon Boko, the Government and the people of the Republic of Botswana, on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the country's independence. His Majesty commended Botswana's steadfast commitment to democracy and the rule of law, which have laid a solid foundation for the country's stability, socio-economic development and prosperity.
The two leaders affirmed the fraternal relations and close bonds of friendship that unite the Republic of Botswana and the Sultanate of Oman, and renewed their shared commitment to strengthening political, economic and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
To that end, the two leaders agreed to deepen and broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation by drawing on the comparative and competitive advantages of both countries in areas of mutual interest, including food security and agriculture, oil and energy, financial services, mining and mineral processing to enhance value addition, health, tourism, transport and logistics, education and skills development, and trade and investment.
With regard to diplomatic and political cooperation, the two leaders welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Botswana and the Sultanate of Oman on October 14, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
The establishment of relations was immediately followed by high-level visits paid by President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana, to the Sultanate of Oman in October 2025 and April 2026. The two leaders stressed the importance of holding regular political consultations and the exchange of high-level visits, so as to advance the implementation of what has been agreed upon in the areas of cooperation.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments, including developments in Africa and the Middle East, as well as other issues of mutual interest. They underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, mediation and a rule-based international order.
In this context, they renewed their commitment to working together within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral fora to support efforts aimed at promoting international peace and security and sustainable development.
The President of Botswana expressed his appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan for His Majesty's tireless efforts in supporting mediation and the achievement of peaceful solutions to conflicts in the region.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik welcomed the opportunity afforded to His Majesty to visit the Botswana Diamond Trading Company (DTCB) and to gain first-hand insight into Botswana's diamond industry.
The two leaders agreed to encourage further communication and cooperation between the relevant institutions and concerned parties in the private sector, in order to identify opportunities that yield mutual benefits in the areas of mineral processing and value addition, the enhancement of added value, technology, investment and skills development.
The two leaders also welcomed the signing of nine bilateral documents.
The two leaders expressed their aspiration that the implementation of the signed documents would contribute to strengthening the legal and institutional framework for broadening practical cooperation and achieving tangible benefits for the two countries.
They gave their directives to the relevant ministries and institutions on both sides to continue close coordination, establish mechanisms to follow up on progress made, address challenges, and proceed with the timely implementation of what has been agreed upon in the areas of cooperation.
The bilateral talks were conducted in an atmosphere of candour and amity, reflecting the close relations of friendship that bind the two countries.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik extended an invitation to President Duma Gideon Boko to pay a state visit to the Sultanate of Oman, at a date to be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
The invitation was accepted with all appreciation, with an affirmation of the shared determination to elevate relations between Botswana and Oman to the level of strategic cooperation that achieves mutual benefit.” - ONA