05 Nov 2019

Bilateral relations between Japan and Botswana are based on mutual respect, understanding and support underpinned by, among other things, education, shared fundamental values of democracy, human rights and rule of law.

This, therefore, led to signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on academic cooperation by Akita University and the University of Botswana.

Addressing students from the two universities at a dinner reception, Ambassador of Japan, Mr Kozo Takeda, said the two signed a mutual agreement to cooperate, collaborate and participate jointly in the areas of education and research in order to promote enhanced standards and high academic achievement particularly in the field of resource sciences.

Mr Takeda indicated that Akita University had played a leading role in Japan’s resource industry over the years, producing top engineers and researchers in the fields of metals, non-metals and petroleum resources.

Ambassador Takeda noted that the relationship between the two universities had been deepened and strengthened by the academic formal agreement.  However, he said such a relationship had gone beyond such formalities, with interaction of people.

For her part, Professor Ritsuko Miyamoto of Akita University said since the relationship between the two universities, she had been visiting Botswana and interacting with mining sectors in the country. 

She said they had visited places like Khoemacau Mines, Diamond Trading Company and Morupule Power plant. 

She also noted that they had visited tourism areas like Makgadikgadi Pans; as well as learning about the culture, indicating that they had visited the Kgotla in Palapye and interacted with the local leadership. ENDS