13 Nov 2022

Botswana and Angola have continued to take steps to strengthen their strong bonds of friendship and fruitful cooperation existing since 1975.

Speaking at Angola’s 47th independence celebrations in Gaborone Friday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Dr Gladys Mokhawa said the two countries cemented the scope of their bilateral relations through the establishment of the Botswana-Angola Joint Permanent Commission in 2006.

She said the flourishing relations were also reflected at the highest level through engagements by the two countries’ presidents. 

“These important engagements signify the two countries’ dedication to further strengthen their excellent relations,” Dr Mokhawa noted.

She commended Angola as the incoming SADC chair and assured the country of Botswana‘s full support. 

The permanent secretary also extended best wishes to Angola for a successful 10th Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States summit slated for next month in Luanda.

Angolan ambassador Dr Beatriz de Morais described her country’s diplomatic relations with the rest of the world as sound. 

She said Angola had undertaken intense activities with the aim of deepening, consolidating and diversifying cooperation in different areas.

In Botswana’s case, she said; ‘We are working on strengthening diplomatic relations with the purpose of putting in place conditions for the establishment of the Bilateral Joint Commission between the two countries, where the review and signature of new legal instruments are expected’.

Ambassador de Morais said since independence, her government had been making efforts to provide the best living conditions for Angolans through reforms in the  education and health sectors as well as rural social and economic development.

The 47th independence celebrations coincided with the  centenary commemoration of Angola’s founding president, the late Dr Agostinho Neto. 

The commemoration showcased his life, work and contribution to the liberation of Angola.BOPA