18 Jun 2014

In the more than six decades of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has guided the British people with sound and exemplary leadership and vigour to achieve enormous social, economic and political transformation of their country.

The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said this during the occasion organised by the British High Commission to celebrate the Queen’s 88^th birthday, as well as her 62^nd year of reign.

Mr Masisi said the Queen had achieved important milestones both in her personal and public life. Through her involvement with charities and other organisations, he said the Queen had also encouraged and supported public and voluntary service both within the United Kingdom and abroad. 

To this end, he said the Queen had over 600 patronages, from opportunities for young people to the preservation of wildlife and the environment.

“In fact due to the passion that we share with Great Britain on conservation matters, His Excellency President Khama was delighted to have been invited for a Summit on Illegal Wildlife Trade in London which afforded him the opportunity to have direct meetings with prime minister, Mr David Cameron and the Prince of Wales,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Masisi said education had also played a historical role between the two countries and continued to do so, adding that there were over 400 Batswana studying in the United Kingdom, including those admitted to prestigious universities through Botswana’s top achievers programme.

He also re-affirmed Botswana’s commitment to taking full advantage of the cordial relationship to continue to enhance educational, sport and cultural ties between the two peoples.

The minister further said it was in the same spirit that Botswana continued to raise funds for the Queens Diamond Jubilee in honour of her support to charitable projects.

Before the formal part of the proceedings began, the British High Commissioner, Mr Nick Pyle requested that a moment of silence be observed in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the first World War, which he said was the costliest in history, since the fighting continued until November 11, 1918.

He said 2014 marked the 100^th year anniversary of the start of World War I. This year, Mr Pyle said, had also been a good year for the Botswana-UK relationship and for sport, as Botswana successfully hosted the African Youth Games.

Since UK hosted the first Illegal Wildlife Trade conference, he said, “we are absolutely delighted that Botswana is going to host the follow-up conference next year and we look forward to working with the Government of Botswana to help ensure its success.” ENDS