19 Sep 2018

Outgoing US ambassador to Botswana Mr Earl Miller has been lauded for having executed his mandate diligently and with great passion during his tenure.

Tendering government and Batswana’s appreciation of Mr Miller’s illustrious service during his two tours of duty in the country, Acting Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Mr Nonofo Molefhi observed that during his tenure in Botswana, he had demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensure the growth from strength to strength of relations between the two countries.

Mr Molefhi, who was speaking at Mr Miller’s farewell reception on September 18, cited among the areas in which such growth had been enjoyed trade and investment, health, education, military affairs, anti-poaching and wildlife conservation as well as youth development.

He thanked the American government for such programmes as the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Young African Leaders Initiative which Botswana had also benefited from.Further, Mr Molefhi, who is the minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, said government was also grateful for the August 2015 P54.6 million ($5 million) support for the male circumcision campaign.

The assistance, he said, had gone a long way in bolstering Botswana’s efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS and had helped save a generation of Batswana.

In addition, the minister expressed gratitude that Botswana had been one of the few beneficiaries of the Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation.

He said the fund had supported several projects aimed at preserving local culture among them the National Museum leather collection and Old Palapye church restoration.

For his part, Mr Miller said it had been an honour to serve in Botswana. 

Highlighting Batswana’s great hospitality, he observed that at every place he had visted in the country, he was met with the greatest warmth, love and courtesy. ENDS