11 Sep 2022

Establishment of the Botswana-Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) is testament of future cooperation between the two states.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said this at a state banquet in Gaborone on Thursday.

He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment and that of government for the success of the cooperation.

“Through joint efforts such as the BNC, the two governments can effectively overcome challenges, among them, youth unemployment, poverty eradication, human and animal diseases burdens, ecological and environmental depletion as well as shortage of water,” he said.

President Masisi said since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, the two countries had made developments in promoting the spirit of cooperation and good neighbourliness.

This, he said, would be strengthened by the increasing number of high-level exchange meetings, volume of trade and investment as well as people to people interactions.

“We know that this is quite possible as was demonstrated during our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. We agreed to collaborate and coordinate efforts, particularly with regard to the procurement and roll-out of vaccines,” he added.

Dr Masisi said the acquired leased land at the Port of Walvis Bay for the development of the Botswana Dry Port facility was an example of cordial relations between the two countries.

He said the port proved to be cost-effective and efficient as commodities spent less time awaiting clearance. 

“I wish to encourage our governments, the business community and individuals to fully utilize the port,” he said.

Furthermore, Dr Masisi called for private sector partnership to achieve developmental programmes and projects, emphasising the need to have business forums alongside future BNC meetings.

Such forums, he said, would help facilitate networking between the business community and help identify trade investment opportunities.

Dr Masisi also called for conclusion of regional strategic projects such as the Trans Kalahari Railway line, which he said would unlock the economic potential of both countries and the region as a whole.

He further assured President Dr Hage Geingob of support during his tenure as the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. 

He said President Geingob’s visionary leadership would be instrumental in efforts geared toward further consolidation of democracy as well as peace and security in the region.

Dr Geingob echoed sentiments that the two countries were closely linked by culture and geography. 

“You can choose friends, but you cannot choose neighbours. We cannot do away with that border that we share,” he said.

He also commended Botswana for the fast developments over the years, saying it was ideal to strengthen cooperation given the country’s vast experience in the diamond sector. 

On his appointment as the new chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, Dr Geingob said accepting the role was inspired by the fact that during the liberation struggle, small and big countries supported Namibia. 

“They did not hold back their support to us and I said if I am asked now to take the SADC organ role, I will not give an excuse of not having money,” he noted.

Namibia first declined the role citing financial reasons and other obligations, but later agreed to assume the role inspired by a commitment to a peaceful region. 

Part of Dr Geingob’s agenda will be the implementation of SADC decisions in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and the work of the SADC Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including forthcoming elections in Lesotho. Ends