10 Jun 2014

Envoys from Pakistan and Thailand have presented their letters of credence to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

In an interview after presenting his credentials at Office of the President on June 10, Mr Najm US Saqib of Pakistan said Botswana and Pakistan intended to have an exchange document for establishment of a joint commission.

He said experts and government officials from the two countries would identify areas which the two countries could be interested in. He said the forum that will be established soon will have the details. “The packages will also be discussed at that forum,” he added.

Mr Saqib said Pakistan and Botswana had excellent political and bilateral relations and the two nations support edeach other at multi-lateral forums such as the United Nations and they both belonged to the Commonwealth.

On his discussions with President Khama, he said they conferred on how Pakistan and Botswana could increase their economic trade that would benefit the people of the two countries. He further said his country had a wealth of expertise in Information Technology, Science and Mathematics.

For his part, Mr Voradet Viravakin of Thailand said Botswana and Thailand had concrete cooperation that dated back from far. He said Thailand imported a lot of raw materials from Botswana and that the two countries will strengthen their cooperation in technical assistance.

He said Thailand International Cooperation Agency was currently extending scholarships to Batswana interested in studying in Thailand.

Prior to meeting with President Khama, the two envoys paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani, where they discussed in depth their interests in areas of cooperation. ENDS