29 Aug 2023

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday received letters of credence from the Philippines and  Uruguay envoys.

Receiving the letters from the Philippines ambassador-designate, Ms Noralyn  Baja, President Masisi said he attached a lot of importance to the existing  bilateral relations between the two nations that dated back to 1967.

He said the relations were built on shared bonds and cooperation in international organisations such as the United Nations as well as a shared commitment to democracy, respect for human rights, peace and security, economic and social development and an international trade system that benefited both countries.

President Masisi also said there were opportunities to enhance mutual knowledge and understanding between the two countries through the establishment of political consultations as well as through bilateral cooperation.

He said Botswana could learn from Philippines  strong regional leadership in education with  well-established public school and university systems. 

“The Philippines are renowned for skills export, an area that Botswana can benchmark on as the two countries strive to unlock more channels of bilateral cooperation,” President Masisi said.

He urged the envoy to explore the country’s tourists attaction in areas which he said were  endowed with flaura and fauna.

For her part, Ms Baja expressed delight over the outstanding bilateral relations that existed between Botswana and the Philippines.

She commended Botswana for making significant strides in infrastructure development; the roads infrastructure and network connectivity.

She said her country was keen to establish a bilateral coordination manual with the aim to nurture the relations between the two countries.

Meeting the Uruguay ambassador–designate, Mr Jose Lopez, President Masisi reaffirmed Botswana’s support to the people of Uruguay and the already strong diplomatic relations subsisting between the two countries.

 “Botswana remains grateful for the relationship between Uruguay which dates back to 2007 and is premised on shared values of democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law, mutual respect and understanding as well as continuous pursuit of sustainable development and a free market economy,” he said.

He highlighted the need for Uruguay to introduce visa exemptions for Batswana travelling to Uruguay in an effort to strengthen the ties and promote trade between the two nations.

Similarly, Mr Lopez commended President Masisi for the warm reception accorded to him. 

He described Botswana as a true friend with lots of similarities to Uruguay in terms of multiparty state, democracy and obedience to the rule of law.

He said his country was actively looking at deepening and broadening ties with Botswana in the agricultural sector and water reticulation.

Mr Lopez said they were recently impacted by a severe drought which devastated the  country’s agriculture and food supply chains. 

He further said the two countries had similar economic and investment interests that could create employment and economic development for the benefit of both countries. ENDS