04 Jul 2024

 President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has been applauded for continuing the legacy of sound democratic leadership entrenched by his predecessors, establishing himself as an astute leader focused on global integration. 

The sentiments were expressed by President of Namibia, Dr Nangolo Mbumba when introducing President Masisi who was the guest of honour at the Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAiTEX) in Namibia on Wednesday.

 Dr Mbumba, said the expo was the greatest contribution to the ever growing bilateral relations between Botswana and Namibia. 

“A good neighbour, a fond treasure,” he said, adding that the relationship between the two countries was characterised by good neighbourliness and mutual respect and must be treasured by all. 

He said in a world currently experiencing geo-political tensions, it was a breath of fresh air to enjoy peace, unity and respect shared by the two countries.

Dr Mbumba was delighted and commended the NCCI for having the foresight by not only organising the expo, but also inviting a good neighbour in President Masisi. 

Historically, he said, whenever Namibians found themselves in tight corners, during the struggle for independence they looked to the east. 

“We will forever be grateful for the support of the people and leadership of Botswana for helping us achieve independence,” he said.  

Dr Mbumba said Namibia fully appreciated Botswana’s support as the two countries had reached a modern level of cooperation. 

He said it was important to observe that Batswana were flooding various tourism destinations in Namibia as well as making other personal endeavours, and urged the Namibians to reciprocate. 

President Masisi concurred with his counterpart, indicating that the two countries have both rectified comparable regional agreements, specifically the SADC free trade protocol and tripartite free trade area agreement, which covered the three regions of SADC, COMESA and EAC. 

He said the agreements boosted trade by establishing sustainable markets comprising 700 million people and the GDP of way over US$1.4 trillion clearly illustrating the common ground shared in terms of global integration initiatives. 

President Masisi said Botswana was truly determined to enhance intra-Africa trade and cooperation. 

Following the official opening of SWAiTEX, the two Presidents and their entourage then proceeded to the sea port at Walvis Bay, where they were taken through the operations of the host country’s Walvis Bay Sea Port as well as Botswana Dry Port. 

The host President said the visit was testament to the fact that whatever facility that the two countries had, be it roads, airports to facilitate business and the economy, would be used jointly and to the maximum for the benefit of the citizens. 

In response, Dr Masisi said the move to share resources was commendable as it explained why Botswana was also using the port to grow her trade. Ends