13 Aug 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is in Angola on a two-day working visit at the invitation of his counterpart Mr João Lourenço. 

A press release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation states that the visit will serve to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation between Botswana and Angola in various areas of development. 

The two leaders will also deliberate on regional and international issues of mutual interest. 

According to the release, the two countries established diplomatic relations after Angola attained independence from Portugal in 1975 and have since enjoyed cordial relations as sister states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 

Botswana exports beef and vaccines to Angola, and in recent years the two countries have been exploring areas to boost trade between them, it says. 

Along with Namibia, Botswana and Angola share the ecosystem of the Okavango River, a water source to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site while the three states along with Zambia and Zimbabwe are part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. 

President Masisi is accompanied by Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration Mr Nonofo Molefhi, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi as well as the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Kitso Mokaila and senior government officials. The President and his delegation are expected back today. Ends