01 Sep 2022

Botswana will continue to plead with the  international community to  lift  economic sanctions against Zimbabwe for the recovery of its  economy, says Minister of  Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape.

In an interview yesterday ahead of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’ three-day state visit to Zimbabwe, Dr Kwape said the recovery of Zimbabwe's economy would ease the burden on the Southern Africa region.

Botswana, he said, continued to receive a high number of economic refugees from Zimbabwe who then became government responsibility.

He cited COVID-19 vaccination whereby all residents of Botswana had to be vaccinated without discrimination at government’s  expense.

Minister Kwape said it was also important for Zimbabwe to recover economically so that it  could assist Botswana if the need arose.

"Zimbabwe used to be the bread basket of Southern Africa to the extent that we received and trained teachers here," he said. 

On issues for discussion between President Masisi and his counterpart Mr Emerson Mnangagwa, Dr Kwape said they included matters of mutual interest and exploring ways and means of deepening relations between the two countries.

Botswana and Zimbabwe enjoy excellent relations characterised by good neighbourliness and mutual respect. They also share a common history, culture and family ties which predate the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1983.

President Masisi’s entourage includes First Lady Neo,  Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng,  Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao and Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development Mr Aubrey Lesaso. Ends