27 Nov 2016

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale has applauded the Japanese leadership for demonstrating strong political will and benevolence by providing to Botswana the much needed development support in advancing global development as well as human security and dignity. 

Mr Molale said this at the Japanese National Day Reception, commemorating the birthday of Emperor Akihito of Japan. 

“This commemoration is a source of inspiration for the government and the people of Japan to continue to build on the political and socio-economic successes that your country has attained,” he said.

Mr Molale said as one of the industrialised nations of the world, Japan continued to play an instrumental role in contributing towards global efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development, peace and stability. 

“Allow me to take this opportunity to commend the Japanese people for their disciplined nature and strong work ethics, which are the hallmark of the progressive and highly productive Japanese society. 

This deep rooted culture has earned the Japanese people respect and admiration, the world over, including Botswana. 

That is why we have always worked hard to emulate the Japanese people in this respect.  The Kaizen System that we are introducing in the Public Service is an attestation of this effort,” he said. Further, he said diplomatic relations between Botswana and Japan, had since 1966, continued to blossom as demonstrated by the strong collaboration in the critical areas which included trade and investment, transport and communications, human resource development, energy as well as cultural cooperation.

“Equally pleasing is Japan’s continued support for community development projects through the grant assistance for grassroots projects. This year alone, some of the community projects which benefited through this grant scheme include Bobonong community farm, Vocational Training Centre in Selebi-Phikwe and Construction of a pre-School at Tlhale Primary School in Gumare. 

Mr Molale reiterated that the selfless support will go a long way in addressing some development challenges experienced at community level.  

“Japan has indeed contributed significantly to Botswana’s development agenda, and we shall cherish this valuable support for many years to come,” he said.

He further indicated that Botswana continued to value the existing strategic partnership with Japan, particularly through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), which he said remained pivotal to ‘our’ development efforts.

He added that through this development framework, Japan has demonstrated unwavering commitment in assisting the African countries to achieve sustainable growth and development. 

“The recent TICAD VI Summit which was held in Nairobi, Kenya where the government of Japan pledged to invest about US$ 30 billion in Africa’s development, over the next three years, is a case in point.  I am honoured to have had the pleasure to lead the Botswana delegation to this important gathering. 

Internal consultations are ongoing to determine projects that could be funded under TICAD.  

This is being coordinated by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and will soon be presented to cabinet,” he said.

For his part, Ambassador of Japan to Botswana, Mr Masahiro Onishi said Botswana and Japan shared the same fundamental values such as democracy, rule of law and the respect for human rights. “Botswana is considered a valued partner of Japan and the further enhancement of our friendly relationship is embassy’s top priority,” Mr Onishi said.

He further said Japanese companies had shown their interests in Botswana, adding that they were also working towards enhancing their interests.

The Emperor’s birthday is a national holiday in Japan and is celebrated on the day of birth of the current emperor. Currently it is celebrated on December 23, the birthday of Emperor Akihito, who was born in 1933. BOPA