14 Aug 2017

Angolan diplomatic mission in Botswana has been commended for demonstrating commitment to deepen and broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation between Botswana and Angola.

Officially opening new premises of the Embassy of Angola in Botswana on Friday, on behalf of the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, the Assistant Minister of Basic Education Mr Moiseraele Goya said it represented a landmark achievement in Angola’s efforts to fortify her diplomatic presence in Botswana.

Mr Goya also said the new chancellery symbolised the active and growing nature of the countries’ long standing bilateral relations, adding that the chancellery would increase Angola’s visibility in Botswana.

Mr Goya stated that Botswana and Angola established diplomatic relations in 1975 adding that though Botswana might not have a diplomatic representation in Angola, the opening of a resident diplomatic mission in Luanda remained a priority.

He noted that the two countries continued to enjoy cordial and fruitful relations marked by close cooperation in a number of critical sectors such as agriculture, transport, energy and sustainable use of natural resources for development.

He further said the relations were consolidated by the signing of the General Agreement of Cooperation in the Economic, Scientific and Cultural Fields in 2006.

Mr Goya pointed out through the agreement that the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation to assist in identifying and implementing areas of cooperation.

Meanwhile, Mr Goya further said the high level and officials’ exchange visits also continued to assist in translating both relations into tangible bilateral cooperation projects, and it intensified engagements on regional, continental and global issues of mutual interest.

Furthermore, Mr Goya commended President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos for his decision to step down and peacefully hand-over power at the end of his current term.

He said it clearly demonstrated the president’s commitment to maintenance of peace and stability in Angola and the region as a whole. He also wished Angolans peaceful elections later this month.

For his part, the Ambassador of Angola to Botswana, Mr Augostinho Neto thanked Angolan president Jose Eduardo dos Santos for authorising the construction of the building as well as expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for allowing the building to be constructed in Botswana.

Ambassador Neto said a framework aimed at strengthening the already good relations of friendship and cooperation between Angola and Botswana, would be recorded in the annals of history.

He mentioned that the inauguration of the chancellery project represented an instrument of excellence that would allow the Angolan state to solve in a pragmatic way, many of the technical and administrative aspects of the lives of Angolan and Botswana citizens as well as other nationalities residing in Botswana.

He mentioned that the imposing building occupied a space of 30 by 50 square metres, adding that it was located in the prime area of Gaborone.

It comprises of different offices such as the political, economic, press and culture, telecommunications, protocol library and two conference rooms. On the political diplomatic relations between Angola and

Botswana, Ambassador Neto stated that it dated back to when Angola was recognised as a sovereign, free and independent country.

He said shortly after the event, Angola and Botswana began to combine efforts, through their active participation in the group of the then Frontline States along with Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia.

He further stated that he was excited that both countries were members of the African Union and SADC.

Further, he stated that the strength of Botswana and Angola relationship could only continue to grow, if the two countries stuck together, defending as always the principles of peaceful coexistence and reciprocal interests. Ends