His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held a meeting this evening with President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana at the Presidential Palace in the capital, Gaborone, as part of His Majesty’s visit to Botswana.

The meeting highlighted the strong relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Botswana and the importance of further developing them in support of mutual interests and greater benefits for the peoples of both countries.

An expanded session of official talks was then held, chaired by His Majesty and President Boko.

The talks reviewed existing areas of cooperation between the two countries and ways to strengthen them, particularly in renewable energy, mining, investment, logistics, food security and agriculture.

The Omani delegation included His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs; Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Albusaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court; General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office; Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi; Dr Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, Head of the Private Office; Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority; Anwar Al Jabri, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; and Ambassador Ali Alkathiri, Head of Mission of the Sultanate of Oman to South Africa.

The Botswana delegation included Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance; Dr Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations; Moeti C. Mohwasa, Minister for State President, Defence and Security; Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy; Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship; Stephen Modise, Minister of Health; Major General Pius Mokgware, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs; and Noah Salakae, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.

His Majesty also signed the distinguished visitors’ book. His Majesty and President Boko exchanged commemorative gifts, reflecting the strong ties of friendship between the two countries.