12 Apr 2022

Botswana attaches a lot of importance to its relationship with Bulgaria, and is desirous to develop further strategic partnership and cooperation with the south-eastern European nation.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said this when receiving letters of credence from the ambassador-designate of Bulgaria to Botswana, Ms Maria Kaymaktchieva Dr Masisi said Botswana-Bulgaria relations, which were premised on shared values of democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law, mutual respect and understanding, as well as, continuous pursuit of sustainable development dated back to 1979.

“Despite the similarity of being landlocked, both countries shared common values centred around good governance and the rule of law as well as a parliamentary representative democracy system based on separation of power,” he said.

Among further cooperation opportunities available to both countries was avoidance of double taxation agreement to create and foster a conducive environment for business exchanges.

Further, he said, it was pleasing to also note Bulgaria had established a state-of the-art security manufacturing equipment plant, whose products could be used in the mining industry and medical fields.

President Masisi also highlighted the possibility for partnership in tractor manufacturing, given Bulgaria manufactured tractors similar to those used in Botswana.

“With Botswana’s ease of doing-business highly favourable, there is huge potential for Bulgarian tractor manufacturing companies to set up an assembly plant in Botswana…also, exploration can be undertaken to further establish any possible cooperation with regard to agricultural inputs,” he said.

Dr Masisi noted with satisfaction that progress had been made in deepening cooperation in a number of areas including energy, education, culture and tourism.

He noted the two countries' strategic partnership remained strong as epitomised by their strong commitment in contributing to the advancement of the regional and continental development agenda.

Thus, it was not surprising that Botswana and Bulgaria continued to have common positions and similar approaches to the challenges that the two countries currently faced, he said. He asked Bulgaria to convince other European Union nations to support Botswana’s run for the Kimberly process secretariat.

For her part, Ms Kaymaktchieva expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded by the government of Botswana. She said the two countries needed each other to address global challenges such as climate change and work together towards improving economic and trade relations. Ends