30 Oct 2022

The 41-year-old Botswana/Turkey bilateral relations are reportedly growing from strength to strength.

 Speaking at the Turkish 99th anniversary of Republic Day, Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Dr Gladys Mokhawa revealed that last year Botswana decided to resuscitate Botswana/Turkey Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).

 That was a clear indication of Botswana’s commitment towards  bringing the relations back on track and to catapult them to greater heights, she said.

Dr Mokhawa stated that a JPCC session that followed was fruitful while the second one held last year saw the two countries signing an MoU on cooperation in the field of higher education.

She described the MoU as a positive trajectory in view of the scholarships the Turkish government continued to offer Botswana.

The permanent secretary said Botswana looked forward to hosting the third session at a mutually convenient date next year.

“Our hosting of defence delegation from office of the Turkish presidency in May this year, our participation at a virtual disaster management training organised by the Turkish presidency in September and the recent signing of the cooperation agreement between Business Botswana and Botswana Exporters Manufacturing Association and the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board demonstrate the mutual desire and commitment to bolster our relations,” she said.

Dr Mokhawa said it was vital that the two countries continued to strengthen their cooperation at the multilateral level to promote sustainable development, global peace and security.

 It was through such engagements that the two countries could achieve global peace and prosperity in the world, she said.

Turkish ambassador, Ms Meltem Buyukkarakas said in spite of extraordinary circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana and Turkey were able to take steps towards advancement of their cooperation.

She said the two countries would continue to strengthen the legal basis for their cooperation and that the embassy was focused on opening new collaboration channels as well as advancing existing ones.

Agreements being mooted include in the areas of health and agriculture, diplomatic training, security and a visa waiver for official and diplomatic passports, which would help  in  deepening the relations, said  Ms Buyukkarakas.

Saying Botswana was a valuable friend for Turkey, she added that it was a role model not only in Africa but worldwide.

Botswana had all the means for a bright future; peace and stability, good governance, a central location in the heart of Southern Africa, rich natural resources, young and educated population and strong political will for socio-economic transformation, she said.

“We commend the endeavours of Botswana government to achieve a better future for the nation, as well as its contributions to safeguard peace and security in the region,” said  Ms Buyukkarakas. ends