28 Jul 2014

The official development assistance of Japan to Botswana is going strong and will even be strengthened more by the new business projects that are about to commence.

Speaking at his farewell session in Gaborone on July 25, Japanese ambassador to Botswana, Mr Hiroyasu Kobayashi said the Japanese business sector was more interested in Botswana and aimed at some of the big projects in the country

Mr Kobayashi whose three year term ends in August appreciated and expressed his love for Botswana paying respect to the country’s political and social stability based on democracy.

He appreciated all those who stood by him in his three-year tenure, adding that what he accomplished over the three years would have not been possible without their support. “I like the people of Botswana for their warmth, generosity and their peaceful attitudes”, he said.

The relationship between the two countries, Mr Kobayashi said, had been strengthened based on the people’s support. Mr Kobayashi appreciated the high level visits between the two countries that saw President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama attending the TICAD V in June last year.

He also highlighted on Vice President Ponatshego Kedikilwe’s visit to Japan to receive the Japanese decoration of highest honor. “We all know that their visits were successful and I hope that they enjoyed Japanese hospitality”, he said.

Though Japan’s Prime Minister, Mr Abe has not been to Botswana, Mr Kobayashi said he was hopeful that his visit would be realised soon as he has in the past expressed his interest in Africa.

Mr Kobayashi mentioned that he will be replaced by Mr Masahiro Onishi who is the former Secretary General of the National Personnel Authority of Botswana and will commence his duty in Botswana in September. ENDS