03 Jul 2016

Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Ms Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Wednesday held talks with Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi.

In an interview following her meetings, Ms Thomas-Greenfield said she was in the country to re-affirm the bilateral relationship her country has had with Botswana since 1966.

She said she was currently on a four-nation tour which included Zambia, Uganda and Malawi.

Again, she said they also talked about the private sector since the USA was hosting the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) meeting in September this year and the 2^nd African Business Forum.

Three companies from Lesotho have so far been identified and thus expressed hope that local companies could also strike deals with their counterparts in the USA.

She further said they discussed the situation in Lesotho and was pleased with the progress made by former President Dr Festus Mogae in his role as a mediator.

Information from the US Embassy states that following establishment of diplomatic ties in 1966, Botswana appointed its first resident Ambassador to the US in 1967. “Since then, the two countries have enjoyed cordial and mutually beneficial relations, which are underpinned by the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights,” she said. Meanwhile, Ms Thomas-Greenfield congratulated Botswana on her 50^th anniversary and is expected to attend the celebrations in Gaborone as the highest ranking US government representative. ENDS