07 Jul 2024

As neighbours sharing a border line, Botswana and Namibia will from time to time ensure that their military and citizens get along.

The two countries will also be regularly seen in joint operations and working within the community, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

President Masisi was responding to a question relating to the scheduled joint operations by the two countries’ defence forces during a press conference post official talks at Swakopmund on Thursday.

He said in the past, there had been conflicts involving civil-military relations that must never repeat.

“It is important to ensure that those sad moments are never experienced again,” he said adding that such cordial understanding would only be possible when the military and the people of both countries got along.

President Masisi hailed the official talks as successful and said what had been accomplished was a clear demonstration of the potential of the two countries acting as friends and combining their efforts towards shared pursuit of socio-economic prosperity. 

He said it was ideal that collaborations between the two countries be  informed by their aspirations and visions.

“In Botswana we are committed to a knowledge-based economy, therefore, I will like to urge that attributes of a knowledge-based and informed economy be included in all our collaborations such as research and development,” he said.

He noted the  importance of  identifying a country or institution that would undertake either research of development space and urged ministers and government officials to expedite any pending agreements. 

Once the agreements are signed, they will yield concrete products or projects that will directly benefit the citizens of both countries, Dr Masisi said, noting that he was encouraged by the results of previously signed bilateral agreements on the establishment of one-stop border post.

He reaffirmed full commitment of his government in collaborating with President Dr Nangolo Mbumba  and his government to enhance relations of the two countries.

For his part, President Mbumba said the defence forces of the two nations would always be seen working together to affirm stability in the region.

He hailed the peace and stability that prevailed between the two countries and said the forces of the two nations must work together towards the common goal of protecting one another for either economic interest, peace, good neighbourliness, agricultural production, wildlife and environment.

“The citizens of Botswana must be used to seeing a uniformed military officer from Namibia within their midst and the same must be for the citizens of Namibia and should not be viewed as animosity as they will be on duty to protect the people,” he said.

He said the discussions with his counterpart President Masisi were highly productive and aligned perfectly with the excellent and long standing bilateral relations between the two nations. 

Dr Mbumba was certain that results of the official talks would further strengthen ties between Namibia and Botswana. 

He was also equally pleased with the time lines set to windup pending issues since the last Bi-National Commission.  

He added that the initiatives would not only enhance economic prosperity of the two countries but would also contribute to the overall development of the SADC region.

“Your visit has provided an opportunity to deepen our mutual understanding and to explore new avenues of collaborations. We value your commitment to strengthening our bilateral relations and we look forward to building on the progress we have made,” he said. 

He also observed that Namibia remained a steadfast friend and partner, adding, '...indeed you are home away from home. We look forward to continue our dialogue and working together to achieve our common goals. We discussed matters of importance to our people.'

He also commended President Masisi for taking lead on matters of national and regional importance. 

“This has never happened before, may the friendship between Namibia and Botswana continue to grow, bring peace, prosperity and mutual understanding to both our people,” said President Mbumba. Ends