24 Mar 2024

Despite the House of Commons passing the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill through its second reading, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says concerned countries will continue to put up a strong fight.
He said the developed nations must listen to Africa’s voice.

President Masisi was responding to media questions on Saturday during a press briefing marking the conclusion of Commonwealth of The Bahamas Prime Minister Mr Phillip Davis’ official visit.
With the support of The Bahamas and others, the President said, ‘We will use our collective influence to cause values and standards to change. We will use our critical assets, our people both skilled and unskilled to transition the balance of power’.

Mr Davis said the world was at a reflection point at all challenges; be it conflicts, tensions between nations, alliances of the aggrieved nations resulting in formations such as BRICS and other alliances.
Mr Davis said for Africa it was an opportune time to take its rightful place in the global space. “The time is now for us to take our rightful place,” he said adding that Africa must cement its spot and ensure that the world was for all.

On other issues, President Masisi thanked Mr Davis for his humanity and his generosity, saying his visit was remarkably rewarding. “You did much more than we expected. Thank you for the support you extended to us. Our story of development is your story,” he said.

President Masisi said developing nations such as  Botswana  rejected attempts of the powerful nations to seek control of the narrative, the economics and the business propositions of their resources.
He said Botswana was glad that The Bahamas held a strong stance in rebuffing attempts by the G7 countries to tell diamond producing countries what to do with the diamonds and every opportunity of international capital development.

“Our sovereignty is also challenged. We are old enough, smart enough to tell them we would not have it. With The Bahamas’s voice we feel much stronger,” he said. He said Mr Davis expressed his support on matters where they converged, making commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts that besiege their regions and the world as a whole.

President Masisi assured Mr Davis that The Bahamas would have Botswana’s support and solidarity as it voiced its displeasure of world conflicts.
He said SADC region was also besieged by conflict in DRC and Northern Mozambique in the Cabo Delgado region. He said  the two countries shared views in relation to conflicts like the one affecting the people of Ukraine and Gaza Strip.
“We want to see a stop to the senseless killings of people. We urge those behind such mayhem to bring a stop to it. We condemn every terrorist attack,” said President Masisi.
Meanwhile, Mr Davis said his official trip had been meaningful and productive as it gave the two countries an opportunity to consider shared challenges and opportunities. He said Botswana’s remarkable journey since independence was an inspiration to nations around the world.

Despite being separated by a vast ocean, Mr Davis said, the two countries shared a lot of commonalities and despite being small in size had the potential to make a difference through spirit and voice. “Our people have navigated storms through strength, grace and resilience with our heritage and our pride as our accomplice,” he said.

He said the two nations were determined to preserve their natural environment, culture for generations to come as well as making sure citizen thrived and prospered. “We are determined to stand up for our countries as international powers protect their own interests and industries while discriminating against our nations. Interestingly standing for our own nations’ interests requires building alliances and coalitions to work together,” he said.

Mr Davis said the theme of eco-tourism resonated deeply with their discussions especially the majestic Okavango Delta, a natural wonder which was a true testament to the beauty and serenity of Botswana.
He said it exemplified their shared commitment to preserving irreplaceable wonders of nature. Mr Davis said the two countries shared a common responsibility of saving the ecotourism that they had.

He said the essence of ecotourism was not all about appreciating nature’s beauty, above all it was about preserving it for the generations to follow.

Mr Davis said their shared concerns for global peace, security and prosperity would deepen meaningful exchanges on how nations large and small could contribute to the world for peace and harmony to prevail.  
“This visit has been more than just opening diplomatic ties; it has been about opening hearts and building a family,” he said.

He said their discussions revealed a shared conviction that true wealth of the two nations lay in the people.

Mr Davis said their spirits, dreams and aspirations were intertwined with a bridge of solidarity that no ocean could divide.
“Let us continue to nurture this bond and face challenges of tomorrow with a shared resolve,” he said. ENDS