13 Dec 2015

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has commended Japan for attaining the status of a developed country.

Dr Venson-Moitoi was speaking at the Japanese National Day reception to commemorate the 82^nd birthday of the Emperor of Japan on December 8. 

Equally commendable, Dr Venson-Moitoi said was that Japan continued to be one of the largest international donors, adding that over the years the country had provided billions of dollars towards Africa’s development, including Botswana, as part of its assistance programme.

“We have certainly maintained excellent bilateral relations, which have matured into strong bonds of friendship based on the principles of mutual respect and common interest. Our collaboration spans over a range of areas, including; education, health, human resource development, information technology, infrastructure and forestry,” she said.

Botswana, the minister said had also benefited immensely from extensive support extended by the Japanese government under various initiatives, such as; the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF), the Japan Official Development Assistance Programme and the TICAD process.

She also expressed appreciation for the Japanese government’s readiness to assist in Phase II of the Kazungula Bridge project, which comprised construction of access roads and the one stop border post between Botswana and Zambia.

“Your support of this regional project will go a long way contributing to cross-border movement of goods and services, as well as regional integration,” she added.

She also noted with satisfaction that the assistance provided by Japan through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots-Human Security Projects aimed at addressing some challenges prevalent at community level.

The two country’s commitment to bilateral cooperation, she said was also demonstrated by collaboration between their institutions of higher learning, namely the; University of Botswana (UB) and University of Kyoto, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and Akita University.

For his part, Ambassador of Japan to Botswana, Mr Masahiro Onishi, said Japan considered Botswana an essential partner, as both countries shared universal values, such as; democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

Botswana, he said also continued to enjoy high ratings in these categories. Throughout his stay in Botswana, Ambassador Onishi said he had an opportunity to observe polling stations during general elections, as well as the National Assembly and Ntlo ya Dikgosi sessions. During these periods, he said “I realised that democracy is firmly rooted in this country.”

 

Furthermore, he said since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966, Botswana and Japan had maintained and strengthened cordial relations and cooperation in various areas. Ends