16 Nov 2020

Acting Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Kabo Morwaeng has thanked Japanese Ambassador, Mr Kozo Takeda for a successful term and an outstanding job in taking relations between Botswana and his country to greater heights.

During the farewell lunch in Gaborone on November 13, Mr Morwaeng expressed confidence that during Mr Takeda’s tour of duty, there were many interactions with stakeholders, both in and outside government due to his deeper understanding of needs and aspirations of Botswana.

“This entailed travelling to communities throughout Botswana to appreciate, first-hand, the various projects supported by Japan while at the same time enjoying the beauty and adversity of our land,” he said.

He noted that during Ambassador Takeda’s tenure, Botswana witnessed growth in the scope and intensity of capacity-building as well as technical assistance in areas such as education, health, energy and ICT. 

The bilateral cooperation also manifests through various ways such as government to government collaboration, partnerships with civil society and cultural exchanges.

Mr Morwaeng said Japan’s grant assistance for grassroots human security projects had seen the establishment of some projects aimed at uplifting the livelihoods of disadvantaged communities in villages such Otse, Hatsalatladi, Mohembo East, Lorolwane, Malatswai and Metsimotlhabe.

The Minister noted with a sense of satisfaction that Ambassador Takeda devoted efforts towards cultivating people to people relations between the sister nations.

“Your embassy facilitated art and exchange visits between schools in Botswana and Japan.  

Maun Senior Secondary School and Ben Thema Primary School are presently benefiting from these arrangements,” said Mr Morwaeng.

He further mentioned that the other highlights of his tenure was the 10^th Botswana Japan policy dialogue and the seventh TICAD summit, both held in 2019.

The Minister appreciated the grant assistance that included P34 million for procurement of medical equipment to assist in the fight against COVID-19 and another P17 million for the acquisition of equipment to support the flagship Digital Migration Project that Japan recently extended to Botswana.

For his part, Ambassador Takeda expressed gratitude to Botswana for the good working relationship that he enjoyed during his tenure of office. 

He assured Botswana that the incoming ambassador would continue to strengthen the relationship that existed between Botswana and Japan and to deepen collaboration for regional development. Ends