11 Sep 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has hailed the Botswana-Namibia inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC).

Speaking in Gaborone on Friday, President Masisi said the BNC showed what was possible when two countries channeled their collective efforts and resources into achieving their common goals of socio-economic development and prosperity.

“We had very fruitful, friendly yet frank discussions, conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust, openness and respect. I am delighted to say that this is indeed typical of the long-standing, excellent bilateral relations that so happily subsist between our sisterly countries,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would set new framework of cooperation on a perfect footing towards broadening, advancing and propelling the bilateral cooperation to greater heights.

“I have no doubt that the decisions and commitments we have made here will contribute significantly to our objectives of economic transformation in our two countries and uplifting the livelihoods of our people and compatriots,” President Masisi said.

He said the comprehensive outcomes of the meeting conveyed closer and progressive cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of strategic areas of mutual interest as they also underscored areas that required greater focus and decisive attention.

President Masisi highlighted the need for both countries to scale-up efforts towards self-sufficiency, especially in the agricultural sector.

He said there was need to strengthen strategic trade dimensions given the regularity and frequency of disruptions to global supply chains.

Furthermore, President Masisi stated that both countries must expedite industrialisation by developing and capacitating their manufacturing and energy sectors as well as identify and explore strategic areas of comperative and competitive advantage.

For his part, President of Namibia, Dr Hage Geingob applauded Botswana for hosting the BNC, adding the summit was an opportunity for the two countries to take stock of their bilateral cooperation in a number of fields.

“I feel we can conclude the BNC session with a sense of satisfaction, but also with the need to enhance and consolidate the implementation of existing agreements reached. Our two countries should keep their focus clear on what they want to achieve through mutual bilateral cooperation,” President Geingob said.

Meanwhile, the two Presidents welcomed signing of several bilateral instruments. Ends