22 Jun 2023

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has commended Malawi and eSwatini for maintaining the cordial bilateral relations with Botswana epitomised by the commitment to contribute towards the advancement of regional and continental development agenda.

Receiving letters of credence from Malawi and eSwatini High Commissioner-designate to Botswana Ms Stella Ndau and Ms Lindiwe Kunene respectively, in Gaborone on Tuesday, President Masisi said Botswana appreciated the diplomatic relations shared with the two countries from time immemorial.

He said the relations were built on shared bonds, cooperation and devoted membership in international organisations such as the United Nations, African Union and SADC as well as a shared commitment to democracy, respect for human rights, peace and security.

President Masisi said Botswana had in the past benefitted from Malawi’s intellectual capita, particularly in the education sector hence it was befitting to send consignments of relief items towards the assistance of victims of heavy rains and floods which he attributed to the effects of climate change.

 “The effects of climate change affect us all, thus it is of great importance for both countries to be supportive and work together on addressing how best to address climate change,” President Masisi said.

Similarly, Ms Ndau acknowledged Botswana for coming to Malawi’s rescue in time of need adding that consignments were an expression of strengthening the relations between Malawi and Botswana.

 She said climate change effects had negatively affected the agricultural sector, which for years had been the backbone of Malawi’s economy hence the need to diversify.

“There is a lot that Malawi can learn from Botswana in economic diversification, particularly on mining and tourism, “she said.

To further foster the relations, Ms Ndau said, Malawi was keen on hosting a structured bilateral framework, in the form of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC)

In addressing eSwatini’s Ms Kunene, President Masisi said Botswana highly respected its relations with eSwatini which dated back to the establishment of the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (BOLESWA).

 “We have excellent bilateral relations with eSwatini. We are both members of SADC and other international organisations and we regard eSwatini as a very good friend. We thus look forward to further strengthening and nurturing the bilateral relations,” President Masisi said.

 Ms Kunene said having excellent relations had resulted in direct people-to-people diplomacy and some inter-marriages.

 She expressed eSwatini’s wish to benchmark against Botswana’s animal husbandry system, which she said was among the best in the world. Ends