23 Mar 2017

Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Advocate Sadique Kebonang says Botswana and other countries in the region and beyond, continue to be inspired by Namibia’s noteworthy achievements, which are underpinned by visionary leadership, good governance, peace and stability, democracy and development.

Speaking on behalf on the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation during Namibia’s 27th independence celebration in Gaborone on March 21, Advocate Kebonang further noted that the excellent relations that existed between Botswana and Namibia dated back to time immemorial.

He said it was in the spirit of their shared values and aspirations that Namibians and Batswana continued to closely collaborate in advancing the bilateral, regional and continental development agenda for the good of humanity. 

Minister Kebonang in addition said that in an effort to address common development challenges that the two countries faced, both governments had established bilateral frameworks such as the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation and the Joint Permanent Commission of Defence and Security.

He said through these important high level platforms, they had managed to make great strides in advancing their bilateral cooperation in many areas such as agriculture, education, conservation, infrastructure, transport and communication, and border security among others.

In this regard, Advocate Kebonang re-affirmed Botswana’s commitment to further deepen the bonds of friendship that were the trade mark of their relations, adding that he was confident that the relations between the two countries would continue to grow from strength to strength.

In the meantime he said the continued high-level visits between Botswana and Namibia had also contributed immensely to the strengthening of the bilateral cooperation.

“The state visit to Botswana by His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, in July last year, bear testimony to our strong desire and commitment to further expand and deepen the scope of our bilateral cooperation”, he said.

The celebration was attended by heads of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials and Namibia nationals residing in Botswana as well and Batswana and other well-wishers. ENDS