01 Nov 2023

The Republic of Türkiye’s 100th anniversary is a momentous occasion to reflect on the excellent and beneficial relations between the country and Botswana.  

Director of Europe & Americas Desk in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tebelelo Boang,  said this at Türkiye centenary celebration on Monday.

Mr Boang said the two countries endeavoured to grow their relations to greater heights.

“Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 2014, the scope of our bilateral cooperation in a number of areas including economic, political and cultural fields, has grown significantly and further deepened our friendship,” said Mr Boang.

He affirmed Botswana’s commitment to working with the Türkiye government to further enhance the cordial relations and bonds of friendship that existed between the two nations.

He said the General Agreement of Cooperation that the two countries signed continued to yield benefits, as many Batswana had received Turkish training in various disciplines such as diplomacy, trade and health.

Mr Boang announced Botswana’s readiness to host the third session of Botswana- Türkiye Joint Commission for Cooperation.

He said the meeting would provide an opportune moment for the two countries to revitalise cooperation and deepen friendship for mutual gain; particularly in areas of higher education, investment and trade as well as security.

Mr Boang commended the Turkiye government for its efforts to promote global peace and security around the world.

“Botswana remains ready to work closely with Türkiye and other like-minded countries at both bilateral and multilateral levels in that endeavour, as the government of Botswana attaches great importance to peace and security, including human security as embodied in the United Nations instruments and decisions,” said Mr Boang.

Affirming the two countries’ bilateral relations, Türkiye Ambassador to Botswana Mr Ahmet Idem Akay said they currently witnessed several developments especially on the economic front.

“Türkiye-Botswana Business Council was established and held its first meeting online in July between representatives from Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEÄ°K), Business Botswana, and Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association where we discussed a roadmap with regard to exchange of visits by business people,” said Mr Akay.

He said Botswana was a participant along with other 22 African countries at the fourth Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum held in Ä°stanbul early October.

Mr Akay said this year saw some fruitful exchanges between the two countries’ universities with PhD students from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Sciences visiting GAntep

University in Türkiye for their research.

“Academicians from Adana Alparslan TürkeÅŸ University of Science and Technology also visited Botho University. Furthermore, recently two more Batswana Graduate students were provided with Türkiye scholarships and are currently studying in Türkiye,” he said.

Mr Akay expressed gratitude to government of Botswana and its people for their solidarity following the devastating earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye in February.

He said the donations from Batswana made a difference to the people of Turkiye who were affected by the natural disaster. ENDS