03 Jun 2018

Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Glady Kokorwe has assured President Brahim Ghali of Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic of Botswana’s support in realising their nationhood and sovereignty.

Speaking to journalists after President Ghali’s courtesy call to her office June 1, Ms Kokorwe said their meeting also discussed the role of Botswana’s parliament in her democracy as well as its role in driving overall government machinery to ensure smooth operations and service delivery.

“As an institution comprising of elected representatives, Parliament provides a voice for constituents to ensure participatory democracy and a responsive government,” she said.
Thus, given its role to hold the executive accountable through oversight on various ministries and departments, she said they were thus looking forward to establishing relations and work with Saharawi Parliament.

“President Ghali also encouraged our Members of Parliament at the Pan-African parliament to work with his countrymen,” she added.

President Ghali was further taken through composition of Botswana Parliament as well as different portfolio committees introduced in 2012 to provide for oversight and portfolio responsibilities over government ministries, departments and agencies.

Meanwhile, Ms Kokorwe said she was happy with President Ghali’s visit to Botswana, saying it showed that Saharawi was serious about building a healthy relationship with Botswana.

Thus, she said, their interaction would benefit Botswana’s understanding of Saharawi Republic and also serve as important platform to further enrich future interactions.

International affairs and cooperation acting minister, Mr Machana Shamukuni, Members of Parliament for Gaborone Central and Mahalapye West, Dr Phenyo Butale and Mr Joseph Molefe respectively as well as Clerk of the National Assembly, Ms Barbara Dithapo, accompanied the Speaker of the National Assembly. ENDS