GABORONE: A number officials from the Republic of Botswana affirmed that the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, may to Botswana on Wednesday, has significant strategic, diplomatic and economic dimensions for Botswana and will move bilateral relations between the two countries from the foundational phase to broader economic and investment horizons.
Amangoye Madisakwana, Chargé d'Affaires of the Botswana Embassy in Kuwait, who oversees relations between Botswana and the Sultanate of Oman, said that this visit is a historic one for Botswana. Its historical significance lies in the remarkable acceleration in relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Botswana over the past year, which fosters the bonds of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.
He added that His Majesty’s visit comes at a time when the Republic of Botswana is seeking economic diversification across a number of vital sectors, including mining and energy. Earlier this year, the Sultanate of Oman and Botswana signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of renewable energy, which resulted in the inauguration and construction of a large solar power plant in the Maun region of Botswana.
Temo Donald Ntapu, Executive Director for Export Development & Promotion at the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, said that this visit gives Botswana an opportunity to foster its economic relations and promote economic diversification in various sectors with the Sultanate of Oman including agriculture, finance, energy and mining.
He noted that the exchange of visits and the rapid implementation of projects support efforts to diversify the economy, increase value-added of natural resources, and establish manufacturing in Botswana which is rich in natural resources such as copper, diamonds, and coal. This provides investment opportunities for the Sultanate of Oman to benefit both countries.
The Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is working on economic integration through international partnerships for single markets, including Botswana based on clear political vision and economic direction as Oman Vision 2040 represents the compass towards economic leadership.
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