29 Mar 2021

Botswana and Turkey have recently agreed on significant milestones in redefining priorities and finding other areas to expand their bilateral cooperation. 

Giving closing remarks at the virtual second session of the Botswana-Turkey Joint Commission for Cooperation,  Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr Lemogang Kwape said the occasion called for revitalization, recommitment and reconfirmation of the two countries’ desire for deepening relations. 

He said the two countries agreed on enhanced cooperation in trade and investment to be attained through establishment of joint business councils between Business Botswana and the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board as well as export promotion activities. 

Dr Kwape said the duo also signed  higher education, health and agricultural sector collaboration agreements. 

He said the mentioned sectors had been greatly affected by the pandemic necessitating collective research and exchange on best practices. 

In addition, he said, the two countries committed to finalisation of  various MoUs including double taxation avoidance agreement, small and medium enterprises development, energy and mining cooperation as well as agriculture. 

In her remarks, Turkish Minister of Family, Labour and Social Services Ms Zehra Zumruit Selcuk said Botswana’s enduring peace and political stability, strong institutions as well as successful economy made the country an important partner for Turkey. 

She said the biggest task for the two countries was to pave way for the private sector through establishment of business councils. 

Turkey has pledged to increase and improve technical assistance to Botswana in the tourism, transport and education fields. Ends