17 Apr 2018

Bilateral trade relations between Botswana and Mozambique continues to flourish and to be mutually beneficial in critical sectors among them,  agriculture, energy, transport as well as tourism says President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

President Masisi said during his official visit in Maputo that this was due to the cordial and fruitful relations between the two Southern African nations.

“Botswana and Mozambique continue to enjoy cordial and fruitful relations which has been made possible by numerous interactions including at higher political level as well as continuous pursuit to sustainable development of our people,” he said.

Additionally President Masisi stated that Botswana considered Mozambique a close and sincere partner in development dating back many years hence the establishment of bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC).

It is his profound belief that geography could not have given Botswana a better friend than Mozambique.

It is to this end that the President called on the two countries to continue to fortify existing strong and unshakable bilateral relations built by the founding fathers in Sir Seretse Khama and Samora Machel.

President Masisi thanked the government of Mozambique for its continued support in the area of energy and remained optimistic that such assistance would continue to grow.

He also commended President Filipe Nyusi for ‘tremendous and notable strides he and his government had made towards consolidation of peace and unity in Mozambique.

He assured President Nyusi and other regional leaders of Botswana’s support in the peace process and advancement of regional integration and pursuit for industrialisation agenda as well as addressing complex and multifaceted challenges facing SADC and the entire world.

President Nyusi said Mozambique remained indebted to Botswana support during the former liberation struggle.

He thanked the government of Botswana and its people for the benevolence shown to Mozambique founding father Samora Machel.

“We are honored that not only have you housed him but have gone ahead to honour him posthumously by turning the house where he used to stay into a museum,” he said.

On other issues, Mr Nyusi called on Batswana business community to come and do business in Mozambique, a country he stated was imbued with untapped natural resources.

President Nyusi also commended President Masisi for having ascended to the highest office, something he stated spoke of the confidence Batswana had on him.

President Masisi who has been in the office in the last 16 days has since last week embarked on a meet and greet trips to fortify relations with fellow SADC members including among others Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia .

In Mozambique President Masisi was accompanied by Acting Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale and Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Kitso Mokaila  as well as Boteti East MP, Mr Lelatisitswe Setlhomo. ENDS