Muscat: The peoples of Botswana and Angola living in the Sultanate of Oman are in an elated mood as His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visits to their countries concluded on Friday. The community members from these countries living in Oman said the historic visits will open new opportunities for investment, jobs, and cultural exchange between Oman and the two African nations.
Speaking to the Observer, Abubakar Hamdun Mtiro, a senior structural engineer in Muscat, said that he is expecting a mutually beneficial relationship that will boost the economic growth of both countries. “I am personally very excited about the development and the union that is being built. Oman has extraordinarily humble people, and anyone can feel at home here,” he said.
“Furthermore, new ideas could emerge beyond what has been accomplished, as the two societies are very different, which in my opinion is a strength. Diversity in cultures, values, ways of life, and best practices provokes innovation, besides providing a boost to economic growth as discussed above,” he hoped.
Direct Flights and New Partnerships
The leaders explored ways to expand ties, particularly in renewable energy, mining, investment, logistics, food security, and agriculture, as well as the opening of an embassy in Muscat, direct flights, and new partnerships. Mtiro said both countries are making concerted efforts to bolster bilateral ties, noting that these efforts have reached an advanced stage and the embassy is expected to open by the end of this year.
He noted that this step will be followed by other initiatives, including launching a direct flight route between Muscat and Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, with the aim of supporting economic relations and bolstering cooperation between the two friendly peoples.
Santos Ferreira Rodrigues, an Angolan associated with the oil and gas sector, feels that the visit strengthens ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Angola, demonstrating a mutual keenness to develop relations toward wider horizons.
“The two visits will address areas of cooperation and the opportunities available to enhance them, as well as discussing matters that contribute to promoting them across various fields,” he stated.
“The bilateral relations between Oman and Angola are expanding rapidly, highlighted by this visit, and momentum was accelerated following Angolan President João Lourenço’s visit to Muscat in December 2024. The economic and trade cooperation between the two countries now focuses on strategic sectors: energy, mining, agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, and logistics.
“I am happy to note that there are new agreements focusing on Omani stakes in Angolan mines and efforts to boost trade access. Trade volume is growing, supported by Omani exports like electrical cables, machinery parts, and petrochemicals,” he said.
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