22 Jan 2017

The Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, arrived in the country over the weekend from a five-day official visit to Japan at invitation of the Japanese government.

The visit followed conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Mr Masisi by the Emperor of Japan last November.

The award was the highest that a foreign citizen could attain from Japan and the conferment was in recognition of the Vice President’s contribution towards promoting friendly relations between Botswana and Japan.

While in Japan, Mr Masisi met with current and former cabinet ministers in the portfolios of internal affairs and communication as well as foreign affairs.

In an interview, the Vice President said the two countries exchanged notes on foreign policy issues to further deepen and enhance the existing ties of friendship and solidarity as well as strengthen bilateral cooperation and collaboration for the mutual benefit of Botswana and Japan.

Mr Masisi also visited  a theatre whose performances were thrilling and different from what he saw in Botswana.

The Vice President visited a port where shipping of used and new vehicles to other countries including Botswana took place.

He said while at the port, he was taken through the processes of shipping, where systematic testing of cars and certification was done.

Still on cars, Mr Masisi visited Toyota factory where he was taken through the operating system of supply. ENDS