20 Feb 2017

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama  received letters of credence from Cyprus and Burkina Faso envoys.

Speaking in an interview after presenting his credentials, High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mr Yannis Iacovou expressed gratitude for having been assigned to Botswana and thanked President Khama for excellent relations that Botswana and Cyprus enjoyed.

Mr Iavovou, who would be based in South Africa, said Cyprus values its relationship with Botswana and regards her as a special friend in the region despite the geographical separation.

The relationship, he noted, was built on shared Commonwealth bonds, cooperation in international organisation such as the United Nations as well as a shared commitment to democracy, respect for human rights, peace and security, economic and social development together with an international trade system that benefits all countries.

He expressed pleasure at the Botswana and Cyprus cooperation on initiatives aimed at sustainable economic development, including tourism, arts and culture as well as education.

Mr Iavovou said he was looking forward for the good relations, also adding that he had an opportunity to travel to Botswana by road and appreciated the exceptional fauna and flora of Botswana.

Upon her presentation, Burkina Faso's Ms Salamata Sawadogo said she was excited to formalize relations of cooperation between Burkina Faso and Botswana through the establishment of a framework cooperation agreement.

Ms Sawadogo said Botswana stands out as one of the most stable country, saying Burkina Faso admire Botswana. “We recognise the achievements of your country taking advantage of your natural resources to benefit society,” she said.

She said Botswana has managed to conserve water, one thing that they would copy from.

He highlighted that there were opportunities to seize in areas such as tourism, and breeding water.

Ms Sawadogo said there were viable opportunities to enhance mutual knowledge and understanding between the two countries through the establishment of political consultations as well as through bilateral cooperation. BOPA