11 Sep 2023

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force is expected to mount a full guard of honour in respect of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi marking the start of his  three-day official visit to the country today.

President Masisi’s itinerary includes official talks with Prime Minister Phillip Davis in the capital city Nassau and the two are expected to discuss among others, the establishment of political consultations as well as to explore areas of enhanced cooperation between Botswana and The Bahamas.

President Masisi will also pay a courtesy call on the Governor General of The Bahamas, Ms Cynthia Alexandria Pratta.

He will deliver a public lecture at the University of Bahamas to be held under the theme: Strengthening Democracy to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders.

Botswana and The Bahamas exchanged state visits in 1999 and 2000.

During the visit by the then Bahamian Prime Minister, Mr Rupert Ingraham in 1999, it was agreed that two countries should  establish diplomatic relations.

In 2000, Botswana’s then President, Dr Festus Mogae undertook a four-day state visit during which both nations signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations at a non-residential level.

In May 2006, Botswana and The Bahamas signed establishment of diplomatic relations in London, United Kingdom.

The Bahamas is a well-established member of the international community, having membership of the United Nations and specialised agencies such as the Commonwealth, the Caribbean and the Organization of the American States among others.

The Bahamas has been a member of the Commonwealth since attaining independence in 1973 and hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 1985.

Economic activity in The Bahamas is centred on tourism and financial services. With few natural resources, tourism is the engine of the Islands economy accounting to approximately 70 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product .

Both Botswana and The Bahamas  are faced with challenges of globalisation, market access to developed countries, economic diversification and international competition for foreign direct investment among others.

President Masisi’s visit will afford Botswana and The Bahamas an opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation especially in tourism, heath and agriculture sectors to address some of these challenges.

Dr Masisi  is accompanied by the First Lady Neo, ministers of Foreign Affairs, Local Government and Rural Development, Finance. Lands and Water Affairs, Agriculture, Education and Skills Development, Health, Minerals and Energy, Trade and Industry, Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Members of Parliament for Gaborone Central and Nkange as well as senior government officials. Ends