PRESIDENT Nelson Mandela ended his visit to Oman on Thursday by saying he is keen to see an institute for Gulf studies created in his country, the sultanate’s official ONA news agency said. The institute “is needed to promote a better understanding, not only in the political and economic fields, but also cultural,” he told the agency, adding that he had raised the issue with Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. Mandela is expected to leave Oman on Thursday for Bahrain as part of a mini-tour of the Gulf region, where investment in South Africa will be promoted. He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo and senior government officials.