02 Oct 2017

President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama is in Valetta, Malta on a three-day state visit at the invitation of his counterpart, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca of Malta.

The President was seen off by amongst others, the Permanent Secretary to the President Mr Carter Morupisi, Botswana Defence Force Commander Lt Gen. Placid Segokgo and the Attorney General Mr Abram Keetshabe.

The state visit will serve to strengthen the existing friendly relations between Botswana and Malta, which were established in 2005 and also afford the two countries valuable opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation in fields of trade and investment; youth empowerment; the fight against cybercrime as well as tourism among others.

Malta has established herself as a highly-industrialised, innovation-driven economy that Botswana, which aims to transform from an upper middle income country to a high income economy, could draw valuable lessons from Malta.

The two countries committed to uphold the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and this makes collaboration both at the bilateral and international levels much easier and has been closely collaborating within the auspices of the Commonwealth.

President Khama will be accompanied by Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Minister Thapelo Olopeng of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Minister Kitso Mokaila of Transport and Communications as well as senior government officials.

From Malta, the release says President Khama will proceed to Washington DC where he will participate in the meeting of Conservation International.
He is expected back home on October 7. ENDS