08 Sep 2022

Botswana has acceded to Qatar’s request for  support in its International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) council membership bid.

The request was made by the country’s ambassador Mr Tariq Bin Ali Faraj Al-Ansari, when presenting letters of credence to President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday.

  Three other ambassadors,  Congo’s Ms Lauria Ngayino,   Ms Sara Valdes Bolano of Mexico and Mr Zainal Arif Mantaha of Singapore,  presented their credentials the same day.

Acceding to Mr Al-Ansari’s request, Dr Masisi said Qatar had an objective reason to have a global role in the aviation space. 

On the two countries’ relationship, Dr Masisi stressed the need to move with speed to enhance relations. 

He said Botswana was impressed Qatar played a role in multilateral space through the United Nations, with Qatar’s knowledge based economy growth trajectory.

Dr Masisi revealed that Botswana and Qatar were in the process of reviewing visa requirements for their nationals.

The move would enhance relations and cooperation on tourism, he said.

President Masisi said the  envisaged requirements would not only improve movement between the two countries but also increase mutual bilateral relations.

 He said the anticipated resumption of the direct flight between Botswana and Qatar would also be advantageous. 

The direct flight was established after President Masisi’s visit to Qatar in 2019 but was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Masisi commended Qatar for its world class sports facilities saying the country’s hosting of this year’s World Cup, the first Arab state to do so, was proof of its advanced establishments. 

Mr Al-Ansari promised to  ensure the two countries’ relations were strengthened particularly in the investment and cooperation areas.

 He said plans were afoot for a Qatar delegation to visit Botswana to share and exchange ideas on sectors such as agriculture, livestock, food and beverages, mining, hospitality and specialised agencies. 

Mr Al-Ansarai said opportunities in the mentioned sectors could be great for both countries. In addition, he said Qatar  was keen on deepening cooperation in the health, culture and labour sectors. 

Mr Al-Ansarai noted that Botswana and Qatar had 17 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements, some of them still to be finalised. 

He promised to work diligently towards the finalisation of all outstanding agreements and MoUs during his tour of duty.  Addressing the Singapore envoy, President Masisi said Botswana would continue to tap into the country’s institutional expertise.

He expressed gratitude for the support Singapore had extended to Botswana regarding systems of public governance and reforms. 

Dr Masisi said given Botswana’s decision to transform from mineral based to a knowledge based economy, it was gratifying that Singapore would continue sharing ideas on public service improvement.

Mr Mantaha said his country and Botswana shared the same values of public service as central to the development of a country. 

He said Singapore  was willing to work with Botswana to exchange ideas and best practices

Mr Mantaha commended Botswana for identifying the COVID-19 Omicron variant which he said was indicative of an effective public health systems.

. On Mexico, the President said Botswana could learn from the country’s innovative farming, rain storage and silo ideas.

Turning to Congo, he said the country   and Botswana shared common values on the scope of mining, agriculture, human development, public service, law and order and governance.

Dr Masisi said Botswana was ready to share ideas on animal diseases and vaccination with Republic of Congo. Botswana’s expertise in livestock vaccines would assist the country to manage and improve its livestock, said the President.

On the other hand, Botswana could learn and explore oil importation opportunities in Congo. 

Dr Masisi encouraged the country’s incoming ambassador to engage with relevant institutions in Botswana.

Meanwhile Mexico’s ambassador said she would  concentrate on fostering relations and cooperation between the two countries. 

Ms Bolano said in the process, her country would continue to gain experience and learn from Botswana. ends