10 Dec 2017

Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi says Botswana and Kenya share a special bond of friendship and cordial bilateral relations underpinned by their shared values of good governance, democracy and the rule of law.

Speaking at Kenya’s 54th independence celebrations in Gaborone recently, Dr Venson-Moitoi said it was encouraging to note that relations between the two countries had continued to grow as manifested by strong collaborations in trade, agriculture, health and others.

She highlighted that there had been increased high-level exchange visits between the two countries which served to broaden and deepen the scope of their bilateral relations.

She also noted that the two countries private sectors, represented by Business Botswana and the Kenya Chamber of Commerce, had formalised their partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in 2016.

“I have no doubt that this landmark undertaking will provide the necessary platform for the promotion of the much needed trade and investment between the two countries,” she said.

The two countries, she said, continued to work together to advance their common positions and values at the African Union.

She added that cooperation was crucial to address the challenges that impeded economic growth and regional integration.

She re-affirmed Botswana’s commitment to continue working closely with Kenya to further advance their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Ms Jean Kimani explained that Kenya was committed to rebuilding a prosperous and united country.

She said Kenyans have overcome numerous challenges on the road to economic transformation and prosperity.

She said this year’s general elections demonstrated the strength of their institutions.

The outcome of the elections and the subsequent adjudication by the Supreme Court, she said, was a clear affirmation of the independence and resilience of Kenyan institutions, and the progress they had made in entrenching the rule of law and their democratic credentials as enshrined in the constitution.

 Ms Kimani said Kenya has witnessed growth and social-economic transformation on which their future prosperity was anchored.

“The Kenyan economy is expected to grow by over five per cent and has been boosted by growth in foreign investment, a vibrant stock market and greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources,” she said.

She emphasised that Kenya cherished the strong ties of friendship that exist between Kenya and Botswana which were founded on historic bonds and have been nurtured over the past 51 years. ENDS