Namibia and Oman are working to turn their 2018 diplomatic agreement into concrete investment projects.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the President of the Oman Investment Authority, Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, held a courtesy meeting at State House.
Al Murshidi also delivered a handwritten message from the Sultan of Oman to President Nandi-Ndaitwah, with a request to cement relations.
“I must say how pleased I am that His Majesty, the Sultan of Oman, has decided to send you to Namibia, and specifically to meet with me. As Minister of International Relations and Cooperation in 2018, I was part of the process of establishing diplomatic relations with Oman. Since then, we have continued to strengthen and grow our bilateral relations from strength to strength,” added Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Al Murshidi explained that the Namibian and Omani governments have identified green energy, mining, and fisheries as among the priority sectors to translate those diplomatic ties into solid economic projects.
"Although the diplomatic foundations of our bilateral relations were established through the signing of the 2018 agreement, His Majesty wishes to further strengthen these relations through tangible projects that directly touch the lives of the people of Namibia and Oman. The focus should be on practical initiatives that enhance trade relations, increase investment opportunities, and encourage people from both countries to visit, engage, and do business with one another."
The diamond industry cooperation was discussed, and opportunities were linked to Oman's participation in the Global Diamond Consortium.
Al Murshidi said several potential projects have emerged, and both Oman and Namibia are eager to accelerate implementation.
“In addition to exploring various sectors for investment opportunities following Oman's announcement of joining the Global Diamond Consortium as chair, we have identified several promising sectors. There are also a few low-hanging fruit projects that we will prioritise and fast-track between the two nations. Hopefully, we can hit the ground soon.”
The Oman Investment Authority operates in 54 countries worldwide.