23 Jan 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says mutual relations between Botswana and Zambia must be sustained and prolonged by tapping into new opportunities likely to benefit the two nations’ future.

“More opportunities are opening up that we must tap into. It is my desire that we take advantage of such opportunities and establish more areas of common interest.

There is a lot that you can get from us and equally a lot that we can get from you,” said Dr Masisi.

Dr Masisi, who was bidding farewell to outgoing Zambia high commissioner Mr Mwansa Kapeya recently, said the two nations had ties that deserved to be sustained.

“We have been friends from the time of our formation. My hope and desire is that our friendship must go on until the end of time. It is of mutual benefit,” he said.

The President said Mr Kapeya had served both countries whole-heartedly adding that despite a short tenure, it was rich and fulfilling.

“I applaud you for being an essential diplomat. I am still hopeful that despite ending your term of office, we are bound to learn more from you in the future,” said President Masisi.

In his message, Mr Kapeya described his two-year stay in Botswana as a memorable experience.

“One of the memorable experiences is the sustained culture of greetings. It does not matter whether you meet someone you know or a complete stranger. Greetings are the order of the day,” he said.

Botswana, Mr Kapeya said, was a beacon of culture, a wonder to the world.

He concurred with Dr Masisi that the two nations’ long standing economic, political and cultural ties must be continued.

Noting that a lot had been achieved, he said construction and commissioning of the Kazungula Bridge was the result of the good relations.

“The project is a milestone as it was producing the desired dividends. It is a major tourist attraction,” he said.

Mr Kapeya commended Dr Masisi for being instrumental in uniting the SADC region.

He said during President Masisi’s tenure as chairman of the SADC Organ on Defence, Politics and Security, he worked tirelessly to resolve conflicts in the region. Ends