Sultan of Oman Links Present to History

Today, Wednesday, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman, embarks on a historic state visit to the African continent, during which he will visit the Republics of Botswana and Angola. This visit reflects His Majesty’s commitment to developing bilateral relations with African countries across all areas amenable to development in the coming period.

This inaugural visit by the Sultan of Oman to African nations carries significant meaning. It underscores that the Sultanate of Oman, under the renewed era, is open to all and welcomes engagement and cooperation with diverse countries. The policy of open doors and economic diplomacy stands as a primary pillar of the new era, with Oman striving to strengthen and elevate its relations with nations sharing similar orientations, without causing harm or seeking to harm others.

During his visits to the capitals of both countries, Gaborone and Luanda, Sultan Haitham will discuss support for and enhancement of the cordial relations, exploring prospects for their development and growth in ways that serve the interests and aspirations of the Omani people alongside those of the friendly peoples of Botswana and Angola. This is particularly significant given that the Sultanate of Oman maintains historical ties with numerous African countries dating back centuries, characterized by trade and mutual respect.

His Majesty the Sultan holds Botswana’s President Duma Boko and Angola’s President João Lourenço in high esteem, recognizing them as friends of Oman who have previously visited the country. He looks forward to cooperating with them to develop bilateral relations, making them more robust over the coming years and decades. Shared interests and converging visions among the leaders further reinforce this, while high-level official visits and delegations from both sides affirm the foundations for developing relations and accelerating cooperation.

The Sultanate maintains a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding with these African countries in economic, political, and other fields. The active visits by the Oman Investment Authority in recent periods reflect a sincere desire to elevate economic relations and partnerships with African nations, diversifying its investment portfolio through promising partnerships and secure sectors.

Thus, the Sultan’s tour opens broader horizons for Oman’s future, particularly in the economic sphere, which constitutes a key pillar of Oman Vision 2040. The initiative begins with Botswana and Angola before extending to other countries. This historic visit will consolidate Omani-African relations, aligning with His Majesty’s dedication to linking the present with the Sultanate’s rich history and esteemed status in Africa. Historically, Omanis contributed to spreading religion, trade, and goods across the continent. Today, Oman seeks to increase investments, trade, and economic exchange with countries that are among the most advanced and growing, benefiting both parties.

Recognizing the geopolitical importance of the African continent, His Majesty’s visit to Gaborone and Luanda marks the first official visit by an Omani Sultan. This visit will carry significant political, diplomatic, and economic dimensions in Oman’s relations with Botswana and Angola, as well as with Rwanda, Tanzania, and others in the future.

A new page has opened, marking the beginning of the path toward achieving the goals of Oman Vision, diversifying the economy, creating strategic partnerships with new countries, and establishing embassies and representation offices to realize Oman’s modern roadmap through economic diversification, investment, trade activation, and goods exchange.

Tomorrow, relations between Oman and African countries will benefit from substantial economic and diplomatic momentum. Oman’s strategic position positions it as a key player and partner, linking the Arabian Gulf to the African continent, which has become a global zone of influence and attraction for investment and trade.

Today, under the reign of Sultan Haitham (may God support him), the Sultanate of Oman is capable of diversifying its political and economic relations. This reflects the new era’s philosophy of opening southward toward Africa and westward toward Central and Greater Asia, within a strategy adopted by the Sultanate to expand and attract global investments and open up more broadly in Africa and across all continents. This serves as a strategic objective for Oman Vision 2040 and aligns with the Sultan’s vision of Oman as a friend to all.

Currently, the Sultanate of Oman maintains promising and friendly relations with the Republics of Botswana and Angola, both of which boast thriving and growing economies. Therefore, this historic visit to the African continent and the ensuing discussions will lay the foundation for a new and important phase in bilateral relations. Angola is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, while Botswana also represents a promising economy.

With steady steps and a clear vision, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik continues his external tours and visits to strengthen partnerships with various brotherly and friendly countries worldwide. The visit to the friendly Republics of Botswana and Angola will achieve another success for Omani policy and open new horizons for the Oman Investment Authority, which knows how to select countries and sectors where success is achievable.

“We stand on solid ground of joint investments and renewed cooperation prospects” – H.E. Abdul Salam bin Mohammed Al Mursidi, Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority.

These are indeed continuing successes for the glorious era. This visit will further strengthen this promising partnership and open new horizons for bilateral cooperation with these countries. The repercussions of this important historic first visit by His Majesty to Sub-Saharan African nations will pave the way for the Sultanate to continue opening up politically and economically, attracting and diversifying investments with various countries. And God is the Source of all Intentions.