22 Apr 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has commended world leaders for promoting commonwealth ideals and principles at the just-ended Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

In an interview on the sidelines of CHOGM in London on April 20, President Masisi described the week-long meeting as fruitful and appreciated the warm and hearty welcome from The Queen.

After seven decades as head of the Commonwealth family, Queen Elizabeth II has handed the reins to her son and Heir to the British throne, Prince Charles.

 This, according to President Masisi was done after a unanimous approval by the Commonwealth leaders, who gathered at the Buckingham palace for the 25^th biennial meeting.

Speaking at the end of the summit, President Masisi said he was pleased that the leaders had agreed with the Queen’s wishes. 

Before handing over the reins, the Queen, who turned 92 on Saturday, expressed hope that her son would one day ‘carry on the important work started by my father in 1949’.

President Masisi said they knew that the post was not hereditary, but they reached a common ground and opted for the royal leader to make it more of a ceremonial figure head as compared to being led by a political leader, whose term in office was uncertain.

Mr Masisi said it was the first time he attended the meeting as head of state and extended his gratitude to the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May who extended her warm hand at St James Palace during the formal opening of the meeting. 

Ms May was also making her first appearance at the meeting as head of government.

President Masisi explained that he was impressed by the agenda set out at the meeting, but most importantly the manner in which issues such as common understanding of good governance, constitutional democracy, international relations, trade, and corruption among others, were discussed.

“I personally met with the Queen and had talks. We laughed and had great moments. She was happy for us new leaders and she even asked about Botswana and our immediate past president. She also gave me a word of advice and pleaded with me to carry on the legacy left behind by our past leader,” he said.

Mr Masisi said they discussed productively issues such as cyber crime and climate change.

In his parting shot, President Masisi said expressed hope and wishes for Batswana  to better understand international relations.

He said Batswana should embrace the spirit of mutual understanding for socio-economic development, trade and education, among others.

For his part, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Vincent Seretse said they also had useful interactions as foreign affairs ministers. 

Among other issues, Mr Seretse said they discussed Zimbabwe. 

Botswana’s northern neighbour was looking for re-entry into the Commonwealth after an unceremonious exit in 2003 when former president, Mr Robert Mugabe came under heavy criticism over disputed elections and land seizures from white farmers.

Mr Seretse said at the London foreign affairs forum, many countries were showing support for Zimbabwe’s recovery and some pledged financial support. 

Botswana has already visited the country after the ousting of Mr Mugabe and met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“I explained that Zimbabwe has already made preparations for the forthcoming elections to be free and fair. I also noted that maybe we should wait for elections as that country needs help now,” said minister Seretse.

Minister Seretse accompanied  President Masisi to London together with minister of Basic Education, Mr Bagalatia Arone and other senior government officials. ENDS