09 Jul 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday received letters of ceredence from new Austria and Pakistan envoys, both stationed in Pretoria, South Africa.

In an interview following the presentation, the Austrian ambassador Mr Johnn Brieger said Botswana and his country needed to increase the scope of their bilateral relationship and look into areas of economic growth.

Ambassador Brieger noted that the two countries could learn from each other noting that Austria could help in the field of vocational training.

In addition, he said, Austria could share her tourism experience with Botswana to see where the two could better get more rewards from the sector.

For his part, the high commissioner of Pakistan Mr Sohail Khan said not many Batswana were aware that his country exported large quantities of goods to Botswana.

He revealed that the country prided itself in leather and textile industries as well as agricultural machinery and implements.

The Pakistan envoy further noted that the two countries could collaborate on the education and health sectors among others.

He challenged Batswana entrepreneurs to visit Pakistan and forge joint ventures with both small and medium scale business people who would ultimately bring business and jobs to Botswana.

Asked whether it was safe to visit Pakistan, Mr Khan said the country was absolutely safe and could be visited at any time.

Meanwhile the outgoing European Union (EU) ambassador to Botswana and SADC Mr Alexander Baum bid President Masisi farewell after his seven-year stay in the country. Ends