23 Nov 2014

The President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and
his South African counterpart, Mr Jacob Zuma have said they remain committed to 
the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

Speaking 
during the Summit Meeting of the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission
(BNC) in Gaborone on Thursday, November 20, President Khama said Botswana was ready to work
 with its southern neighbours “to advance our collective development goals 
through bilateral and regional cooperation for the betterment of our people”.

President
 Khama said this showed that they do not only demonstrate the importance they 
attach to the BNC but also attest to their commitment to advance their common 
values of democracy, equality, good governance and development.

“Our 
presence here today to review bilateral commitment and to give guidance in the
conduct of our relations mirrors our common resolve in this regard,” he said.

The President 
said he was particularly pleased that the progress report in a number of
 sectors equally reflects this aspiration. He further said efforts have been
 made in the defence and security sector characterised by excellent cooperation
 in all forms of cross border crime and ensure public safety and security.  

Progress has 
also been made in economic and trade sector which resulted with the conclusion
 of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership 
Agreement (EPA), the completion and commissioning of Middlepits cross water 
supply as well as the signing of the agreements on the construction of two cross border bridges at Platjaan and Notwane.

President
 Khama said government to government cooperation was highly appreciated and 
therefore they would continue to do more to facilitate interactions at all 
levels to realise the full potential of cooperation between Botswana and South
Africa.



“It is indeed my fervent hope that the meetings of our officials and ministers
 have unlocked any impediments that may have inhibited full cooperation between
our two countries in the past,” he said.

For his
part, President Zuma said the BNP provides the two countries with a platform to
expand areas of cooperation. 

“We need to prioritise cooperation on those areas that can have an immediate
impact on the lives of our people,” he said.

President 
Zuma said the two countries need to look closely at economic projects that have
cross border dimension. He said he notes the large presence of South African
companies in Botswana involved in various sectors and added he hoped they
contributed towards economic development and diversification.

President 
Zuma called for further cooperation in tourism saying the sector had potential
to create employment that the two countries need.

“We need to
work with great agility to enhance historical bonds that happily exist between
our country and peoples. Our people expect more from us and we therefore not
fail in our collective resolve to improve their lives,” he said. ENDS