01 May 2019

 Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow says the completion of the Kazungula Bridge would further cement the existing bilateral cooperation between Botswana and Zambia.

Speaking at the farewell reception she hosted for the out-going Zambian High Commissioner, Brigadier General Patrick Tembo in Gaborone on April 29, Dr Dow said once completed, the ongoing bridge project, which is co-financed by the two governments, would become one of the monuments for successful joint infrastructural development projects between the two states.

She said the government of Botswana would not forget Brigadier General Tembo’s role during the preparations for the bridge construction as he lived to ensure that the dream was actualised.

She said the relations between the two SADC countries were soaring, as demonstrated by the regular interactions between the two heads of states, stating that last year, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi visited Zambia on three occasions and the latest was at the beginning of this month.

Dr Dow thanked Brigadier General Tembo most profoundly for the time and energy that he expended in Botswana, not only to contribute towards further enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, but also directly promoting people to people relations. She said the high commissioner went all out, on his own time, and touched the lives of the less privileged in the society as he supported the Gamodubu Orphanage Home.

For his part, Brigadier General Tembo said his stay in Botswana was smooth and allowed him to serve with happiness and diligence.

He thanked Batswana for their warm welcome and assured them of the same hospitality when they visit Zambia. ENDS