01 Feb 2015

The United States ambassador, Mr Earl Miller and the Indian High Commissioner, Mrs Hemalata Bhagirath presented their letters of credence to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama on January 30.

After presentation of credentials, Mr Miller told the media that Botswana was one of the US’ strongest, most reliable and valued partner in Africa. He said people of US and Botswana shared many values which provided foundation for shared interests and priorities that allowed the two governments and societies to work together cooperatively and productively.

He said US was committed to working with Botswana to further strengthen partnership and deepen engagement. Mr Miller said he was looking forward to strengthening the two countries’ joint efforts to change the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“Through the President’s Emergency Relief Plan for AIDS Relief we have provided P6.7 billion to support Botswana’s HIV/AIDS efforts,” he said. Currently, he said Botswana was one of the few countries where the HIV epidemic had passed the tipping point, but noted that more should be done to achieve an AIDS-free generation.

Again, he said US would continue to address critical environmental challenges and sustainably manage natural resources, particularly Botswana’s wildlife. That, he said would be done by establishing wildlife enforcement Network of Southern Africa just as his country supported designation of the Okavango Delta as UNESCO 1000th World Heritage Site.

“I look forward to redoubling out joint efforts to ensure that your natural treasures provide a source of sustainable income to Botswana’s people well in to the future,” he said.

Mr Miller further said the US would continue to enhance regional security through the US’ International Law Enforcement Academy to strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights, and combat wildlife trafficking as well as to advance peace and security across Africa.

On economic and business ties, he said the US was the top purchaser of polished diamonds, which comprised over 70 per cent of Botswana’s exports and noted that investors could make even greater contributions to Botswana’s economic prosperity.Meanwhile, Mrs Bhagirath said she would do her best to strengthen relations between India and Botswana. 

She said India would assist Botswana to realise its dream to a have a leather industry park. She said India had good tanneries in the Southern India and leather was one of the largest exports from India and contributed immensely to the economy of the country together with tea and coffee.

Furthermore, she said the envisaged trade and industry ministers’ benchmarking trip to India would enable the two countries to further explore opportunities available for the leather industry. ENDS