GABORONE: Oman and Botswana discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation, particularly in investment, energy and mining, during talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers.

Oman’s Foreign Minister His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi met Botswana’s Minister of International Relations Dr. Phenyo Butale on Wednesday on the sidelines of the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Botswana.

The ministers discussed ways to build on existing bilateral cooperation and use the momentum generated by the state visit to develop mutual interests and broaden the economic partnership between the two countries.

Investment, energy and mining were identified among the key areas offering scope for greater cooperation, in line with the development priorities of Oman and Botswana.

The two sides also stressed the importance of continued coordination between relevant authorities and exchanges of visits by officials to translate potential areas of cooperation into mutually beneficial opportunities.

The talks also covered a number of regional and international issues of common interest.