03 Dec 2017

Acting Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Eric Molale has extended greetings and congratulations as well as best wishes to Emperor Akihito and the government and people of Japan on the emperor’s birthday.

Speaking at an event at Japanese Ambassador’s residence to mark the celebration of Emperor Akihito’s birthday and the National Day of Japan on Thursday, Minister Molale also welcomed the new Japanese envoy to Botswana, Mr Kozo Takeda, who took over from Mr Masahiro Onishi.

Mr Molale, also the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, said the occasion was fitting that he congratulate Japan for the socio-economic advancement that had been registered over the years, attributed to the sterling successive leadership of Japan.

He further commended Japan for the prominent role it played in contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as global sustainable development.

Minister Molale acknowledged Japan’s significant contribution towards Africa’s growth and prosperity rendered under the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

In the same breadth, he assured Japan of Botswana’s continued active participation in the TICAD process, whose value to Botswana’s development, particularly diversification efforts was cherished.

Mr Molale said he was pleased by the growth of bilateral cooperation which covered areas such as trade and investment, energy, education, health as well as sport and cultural exchange.
He noted that through the grassroots assistance programme, Japan’s support continued to improve the welfare of rural communities in Botswana.  

Speaking at the same occasion, Japan ambassador, Mr Takeda said since the opening of Japan Embassy in Botswana in 2008, the embassy has endeavoured to strengthen the friendship between the two countries and promote a better understanding of Japan.

He however said since next year Japan commemorates 10th anniversary of the opening of the embassy, he expected that the bilateral partnership would continue to grow stronger.

He said the two governments had been cooperating towards the development and betterment of Botswana in the past 50 years, in ways that adhere to Botswana’s commitment towards Sustainable Economic Development, Human and Social Development, Sustainable Environment, Governance, Peace and Security and above all prosperity for all.

Mr Takeda said at grassroots level, the government of Japan had been supporting local government, educational institutions and NGOs through grassroots grant scheme.

He said this year, organisations successfully completed their projects under the scheme and five organisations signed contracts with Japan.

The grants provided by the embassy for this financial year amounted to US$305 294. The recent construction of the West Hanahai pre-school is an example of their joint efforts, he said. Ends