25 Apr 2017

President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama says the state visit by Mozambique President Mr Felipe Jacinto Nyusi to Botswana was an opportunity for the two governments to review progress of their collaboration in critical sectors.
Mr Nyusi commenced his three-day state visit here by holding official talks with President Khama at Office of the President and also toured the Impact Genetics project in Mmamashia on April 24.
He was further expected to tour the Botswana Meat Commission in Lobatse, the Botswana Vaccine Institute, and Diamond Trading Centre Botswana before returning home today (April 26).

Speaking during a state banquet to welcome the Mozambique head of state and his entourage to Gaborone on Monday, President Khama highlighted that collaboration was progressing well between the two countries in various spheres of the economy.
“I note with appreciation the steady progress we continue to make in deepening collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, energy, transport, defence and security cooperation, education, health, minerals, to mention but a few,” he said, asking for effective implementation of bilateral agreements between the two governments.

President Khama said with more tangible programmes and projects from these agreements, living standards of citizens of the two countries would improve.
Some of those projects, he said, were the proposed development of a deep-sea port and railway line linking the two countries. “The development of this vital transport corridor will go a long way in unlocking the economic potential of our two countries and also contribute towards greater regional integration,” he said.

Furthermore, he commended Mozambique government for making a resolute effort to find lasting solution to political and security challenges facing their country, assuring them unwavering support from Botswana in their effort to consolidate peace, unity and stability.
President Nyusi explained that he visited Botswana following an invitation last year by President Khama, who was on a visit to Mozambique.

He said the friendship and solidarity existing between the two countries came from far back and expressed gratitude for assistance this country gave Mozambique during their fight for liberation from the colonial rule.
He said Botswana continued to be an important friend of his country as the second president Sir Ketumile Masire was among those working to resolve the political situation in Mozambique.
“We feel that Botswana has not spared effort in supporting Mozambique in our quest to find lasting peace,” he said.
He also invited the private sector from Botswana to participate in rebuilding of the economy of his country. ENDS