His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik commenced a state visit to the friendly republics of Botswana and Angola on 19 September 2026. The visits, which are unofficial, aim to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for increased cooperation. The statement does not mention the duration of the visit or specific locations visited within each country. This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.
Context
The state visits represent a continuation of Oman’s strategic engagement within the Southern African region. The statement does not mention any specific agreements or outcomes anticipated from the visits. However, previous statements (https://www.fm.gov.om/en/55929/) highlight a “growing partnership strengthening cooperation and investment” between Oman and Angola. In March the ministry said that diplomacy is more important than ever (https://www.fm.gov.om/en/56556/). The visit follows a joint statement from Oman and Botswana on 17 September 2026 (https://www.fm.gov.om/en/56786/) and a joint statement from Oman and Angola on 18 September 2026 (https://www.fm.gov.om/en/56786/). This aligns with a Royal Decree issued on 15 September 2026 (https://www.fm.gov.om/en/56025/) appointing Oman’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan as non-resident Ambassador to Tajikistan.
What to Watch
Should the visit yield new investment opportunities in Botswana and Angola, the ministry will likely announce further details. If the visit to Angola produces a revised joint statement, as seen with Botswana, it suggests a deepening of strategic alignment. The statement does not address any specific discussions that may have taken place during the visits. The ministry’s previous statement on 15 September 2026 (https://www.fm.gov.om/en/55929/) regarding Oman and Angola – a growing partnership strengthening cooperation and investment – indicates a sustained focus on economic ties.
