Luanda, Angola – Oman and Angola have moved to broaden their economic and investment partnership, with a two-day state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik resulting in new cooperation across energy, mining, logistics, agriculture, fisheries and transport.

The visit to Luanda on September 17 and 18 brought the two countries’ economic ambitions into sharper focus, with agreements and memoranda signed during the visit valued at more than US$1.5bn.

Speaking during the visit, His Majesty the Sultan said the current level of trade between Oman and Angola did not yet reflect the strength of their economic relationship and called for efforts to substantially increase trade in coming years. He also urged public and private sector institutions in both countries to pursue investment opportunities emerging from the partnership.

The state visit, made at the invitation of Angolan President João Manuel Lourenço, was aimed at translating the closer political dialogue between the two countries into wider economic engagement.

The two leaders held a private meeting at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, followed by expanded official talks. The discussions covered industry, mining, energy, clean energy, ports, maritime transport, logistics, agriculture, food security and fisheries.

President Lourenço said the visit marked an advanced stage in expanding the countries’ economic, investment and commercial partnership. He pointed to the opening of the African Bank of Oman in Luanda this year and the entry of Omani companies into mineral mining investments in Angola as examples of growing cooperation.

He also identified agriculture, fisheries, mineral resources, oil and gas and pharmaceutical manufacturing as areas where further opportunities could be developed for private investors.

For Oman, the visit also underlined its interest in expanding economic ties beyond traditional areas of cooperation.

His Majesty the Sultan said Oman saw promising prospects in oil, mining, food security, maritime and air transport and other sectors that could contribute to economic diversification in both countries. He said the package of agreements signed during the visit provided a foundation for longer-term opportunities for the two peoples.

Energy emerged as one of the central areas of potential cooperation. The agreements package includes cooperation concerning possible partnerships across Angola’s upstream, midstream and downstream energy sectors, as well as renewable energy. Other areas include oilfield services and technologies.

The economic push was accompanied by an effort to institutionalise political dialogue.

In a joint communiqué issued at the end of the visit, Oman and Angola agreed to deepen cooperation and explore new avenues for expansion, identifying diplomacy, oil, energy, mineral resources, finance, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, transport, logistics and housing as strategic sectors.

The two leaders also agreed to hold periodic bilateral political consultations to assess implementation of commitments. The next round of political consultations and the first session of the Joint Committee are due to be held in Muscat on a date to be agreed through diplomatic channels.

The visit also carried a wider diplomatic dimension. His Majesty the Sultan congratulated Angola on the 50th anniversary of its independence, while President Lourenço congratulated His Majesty the Sultan on Oman’s National Day, reflecting the broader political relationship between the two countries. The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and said their positions converged on a range of issues of mutual interest.

On conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the two leaders called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and peaceful dialogue aimed at lasting settlements.

President Lourenço also expressed solidarity with countries affected by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and praised Oman’s efforts to reduce tensions and pursue dialogue.

On Palestine, the two sides reaffirmed support for peaceful coexistence, self-determination and relevant United Nations resolutions, while condemning human rights violations and indiscriminate attacks on civilians. They also stressed the importance of international law, sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

The joint communiqué described the visit as a milestone in strengthening the partnership between Oman and Angola.