Muscat: Plans are being drawn up for Oman and Senegal to set up joint economic ventures, which will lead to increased cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day (April 4), Serigne Aliou Deme, Senegal’s ambassador to Oman, said the shared agricultural practices between both countries made it easy for them to work together.

“There is a project of close cooperation to be signed with the Sultanate to create joint opportunities between the two countries, by virtue of the experience in the field of fishing and ocean navigation, for which the Sultanate has received recognition for many years,” he said.

“We also seek to create partnerships with Gulf countries, especially the Sultanate in the field of oil and gas, because of the country’s vast experience in this sector,” added the ambassador. “As for minerals, there are many that we export abroad, including gold, iron and other minerals.”

“There is expected to be cooperation between the two countries in developing the oil and mineral sectors. Oil wells have been recently discovered across several locations in Senegal, with the first consignment of Senegalese oil to be exported overseas by the end of this year.”

“There are also a number of agreements with international companies, including some from France, the UK, and the United States, that specialise in oil exploration and extraction.”

As part of government efforts to strengthen Senegal’s industry, an industrial city was established near the capital, Dakar. It now produces large quantities of shoes, fabrics, soft drinks, and ceramics. Owing to Senegal’s beaches spanning an area of more than 300 square kilometres, boatbuilding companies also have interests in the country.

“The most important products of the Republic of Senegal, in the agricultural sector are peanuts, cotton, fruits and vegetables, and there is a government effort to increase rice production, because it is considered one of the main meals on the Senegalese table,” he added.

“It constitutes 60 to 70 per cent of what the Senegalese citizens eat. Because we also import rice from abroad, we are attempting to counter this by increasing local production.”

Formal diplomatic relations between Oman and Senegal began in the early 2000s, although contact between the two countries took place even before then.

Former Senegalese President Abd Jouf visited Oman in the 1990s, leading to the signing of an agreement establishing diplomatic relations soon afterwards.

“We are proud to have relations with the Sultanate, because it is among the most stable, peaceful and secure countries in the world, and its wise policy seeks to always unite and not divide people, by searching for peaceful solutions to conflicts,” said Deme.

Wishing His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik well, he added, “We pray for success to His Majesty, that he may build stronger relations with the countries of the region, and the world. Ever since we began our diplomatic relations with Oman, we’ve been looking for agreements across a number of sectors, including the political, economic, commercial, maritime, cultural, tourism, and social levels.”

“These help strengthen fraternal relations and support ties between the two peoples, enabling them to learn about each other in depth, and allows for the formation of closer ties,” said the ambassador.

Deme also paid tribute to the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour for his efforts to build stronger ties through peace and reconciliation.

“He was among the leaders of the world who always advocated peace and stability,” he said. “The whole world is proud of the late His Majesty, and all of us in Africa – especially Senegal – have plenty of love, respect, and appreciation for him.”