02 Dec 2024

Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, says support from countries with bilateral relations with Botswana is crucial for rebuilding the economy and creating 500 000 jobs over the next five years. 

The ministers remarks came during a series of courtesy calls from envoys representing China, the United States of America, Russia, and India at his office on Monday.

Mr Mohwasa emphasised that the support needed extended beyond financial assistance. 

He highlighted the importance of sharing experiential ideas that the government could utilise to achieve its strategic objectives. “The years of partnership with these four countries have undoubtedly contributed to Botswana’s growth in various sectors of the economy,”  he stated.

He noted that Botswana was committed to upholding the rule of law, democracy, and shared values with its foreign counterparts. He reiterated the country’s dedication to maintaining its global standing as a promoter of democratic principles.

The minister pointed out that sustaining and upholding democracy required an independent media capable of reporting freely and accurately. He asserted that a robust media landscape would enhance the communication of democratic issues, helping the country maintain its reputation as a nation that values the rule of law and true democracy.

Despite the progress, Mr Mohwasa acknowledged that local media faced significant challenges that affect self-regulation and compromise the quality of news delivery. To address these issues, he invited the envoys to a joint meeting with MISA Botswana and the Editors Forum, scheduled for December 16. 

During this meeting, Minister Mohwasa  hopes to secure their support in fostering a healthy media environment that aligns with democratic goals.

US Ambassador, Mr Howard Van Vranken expressed America’s commitment to supporting Botswana in various sectors, including health, housing, and job creation, to help build an independent and vibrant nation. He mentioned that his office had reviewed the recent State-of -the-Nation Address and the Umbrella for Democratic Change manifesto and was eager to align resources and expertise to assist the government.

High Commissioner of India, Mr Bharath Kumar Kuthati, reflected on India and Botswana’s lifelong relationship, emphasising ongoing capacity-building pro-grammes for Batswana across different sectors. 

He assured that his government would continue to nurture its bilateral relations through training programs and scholarships for postgraduate studies.

Chinese Ambassador Mr Yong Fan reiterated China’s commitment to its long-standing relationship with Botswana, which has flourished for over two decades. He noted China’s industrial prowess and advancements in technology, offering to assist Botswana particularly in infrastructure development.

Russia Ambassador Mr Andrey Kemarskiy highlighted the historical ties between Russia and Botswana, stemming from their common struggles. 

He pointed out Russia’s advancements in nuclear energy for agriculture and medicinal development, expressing readiness to support Botswana in these areas and to facilitate student exchange programmes. Additionally, he mentioned plans for establishing the Botswana Embassy in Moscow. Ends