29 Jul 2024

The state visit by Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Dame Cynthia Alexandria Pratt, has been hailed as an important milestone in advancing the country’s economic growth and foreign relations.

In an interview in Gaborone yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape said The Bahamas was ahead in the tourism sector, therefore, the ongoing development aimed at enhancing relations would go a long way in boosting the tourism industry.

The minister was speaking on the occasion of the arrival of the Governor General, who is in Botswana on a five-day state visit.

Dr Kwape noted that annually,  The Bahamas received more than nine million tourists. 

“As such, The Bahamas is an important partner to learn from in terms of attracting tourists,” he said. 

 Dr Kwape said other than strengthening the existing relations, the state visit provided an opportunity to explore other sectors that were mutually beneficial to help build capacity where the other was lacking.

His counterpart from the Bahamas, Mr Frederick Mitchell said the visit would among others strengthen people to people ties.

Mr Mitchell said during the official visit by the Prime Minister Mr Phillip Davies in March, the delegation visited among others, the Botswana Police College. 

“From this development, I foresee my country bringing some security personnel to Botswana to get exposure and training,” he said.

He said the two countries would also take advantage of the knowledge exchange and by so doing work on improving sectors of key importance to the economy such as agriculture.

He concurred with Dr Kwape that The Bahamas was doing well in the tourism sector, therefore was willing to help Botswana to grow and equally benefit more from it.

Dame Cynthia Alexandria Pratt is expected to have a Tete-a-Tete and official talks with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and close her visit with a joint exit press conference.

She will also tour the Diamond Trading Company Botswana, Art Gallery at the National Museum, Our Lady of the Desert Cathedral Mission and Francistown Senior Secondary School. Ends