17 Sep 2018

 President Mokgweetsi Masisi leaves for  United States of America today to attend the 73^rd Session of the UN General Assembly scheduled for September 25-28.

A news release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation states that the session will be held under the theme: Making the United Nations Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies.

Alongside the 73^rd session, the president will also attend a number of high level meetings such as Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, High-Level Event on Young People’s Agenda and address the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York on September 24^th, as well as attend International Caucus Foundation Forum (ICCF), to address attendees on conservation issues on September 25.

The release states that the president is scheduled to deliver the meeting plenary statement on September 27. 

On the same day, he is scheduled to attend High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.

President Masisi will be accompanied by the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation,  Dr Unity Dow and senior government officials for the duration of the trip.

Prior to the assembly, from September 19 to 21 the president will pay a working visit to Tallahassee and Orlando, in the State of Florida and Houston in the State of Texas. 

His programme will include engagement with Enterprise Florida as well a visit to the Texas Children’s Hospital.   On September 22, the president will attend an event hosted by the Diamond Empowerment Fund, and will receive US$130 000 as contribution to Botswana’s Top Achievers Programme that rewards high academic performance by Botswana students. 

The president will be accompanied by the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama, the Minister of Basic Education, Mr Bagalatia Arone and his assistant, Mr Thato Kwerepe; and the Member of Parliament for Maun East, Mr Konstantinos Markus, for the ICCF meeting.  

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Alfred Madigele, and the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo, will later join the President’s delegation for the assembly. 

President Masisi and his delegation will return on September 28. ENDS