21 May 2024

Botswana remains keen to foster multilateral relations and expand existing areas of cooperation with strategic partners, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Receiving letters of credence from ambassador designates of The Netherlands, Denmark, Tanzania, South Korea and Jamaica, President Masisi emphasised Botswana’s long-standing tradition of maintaining progressive and friendly bilateral relations within various multilateral forums. 

He highlighted the importance Botswana placed on diplomatic ties, saying shared values of democracy, mutual respect, and sustainable development  formed  the basis of these relationships.

When welcoming Ms Joanne Doornewaard of The Netherlands, President Masisi recalled the history of friendship between Botswana and The Netherlands, dating back to 1975. He praised The Netherlands’ spirit of resilience and innovation, evident not only in soccer but also in research and development initiatives.

“We fully admire the never say die attitude entrenched in the people of The Netherlands as testament during their soccer performances something which has also transcended to the country’s desire for research and innovation,” President Masisi said.In discussions with Ms Elsebeth Krone of Denmark, President Masisi acknowledged the strong bilateral relations shared with Denmark, founded on mutual interests and values. He said  Botswana was committed to promoting multilateralism and its rules-based approach to advance sustainable global peace, development and security, hence shared the same sentiments with Denmark concerning the composition of the United Nations Security Council.

Welcoming Mr James Gillawa of Tanzania, President Masisi said the two countries shared a common vision and an unwavering determination to achieve higher levels of development for their countries and people.

“Botswana attaches great importance to the excellent relations that subsist between the two countries who both played an important role during the  liberation struggle in Africa” he said.

President Masisi said there was need for Botswana and Tanzania to refocus their attention on improving trade relations between the two countries and channel resources towards prospective investment sectors that prevailed between the two countries.

He said he looked forward to the resuscitation of the bilateral framework, in the form of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between Botswana and Tanzania.

President Masisi also welcomed South Korea ambassador designate to Botswana Mr Dong-Han Yang. He said  Botswana and South Korea had robust relations built on trust and respect. 

“These principles have indeed stood the test of time and circumstances, thus I strongly believe that we will continue to collaborate towards a stronger partnership and prosperity into the future,” President Masisi said.

He said the relations between the two countries were extensive and were across many sectors owing to various diplomatic exchanges on issues of mutual concerns. 

He expressed optimism for future collaboration, particularly in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)  since South Korea had a proven track record on ICT.

He said he was looking forward to the establishment of the South Korean consulate in Botswana, adding that Botswana would reciprocate funds permitting.

To  Jamaica High Commissioner designate to Botswana, Ms Joan Edwards, President Masisi praised Jamaica’s athletic achievements and expressed readiness to collaborate with Jamaica in the sports sector, leveraging the reputation of Jamaica as a producer of world-class sprinters.  

“We are keen to collaborate with Jamaica on areas of sports especially that Jamaica has a reputation of producing some of the fastest sprinters in the world something which we are also in pursuit of.” he said.

In response, the envoys expressed dedication to nurturing and expanding the existing relationships between Botswana and their respective countries, aiming for mutual prosperity. ENDS