09 Jul 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s three-day state visit to Mozambique offers an opportunity for discussions on groundbreaking agreements for the Techobanine Port Integrated Project, a long-anticipated collaboration between Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. 

 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape said in an interview prior to Dr Masisi’s visit will see three Presidents, Dr Masisi, President  Mr Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique and Dr  Emmerson Mnangwagwa of Zimbabwe would meet on Friday take part in the Tripartite Summit  to discuss the Techobanine Port and railway line projects . 

Dr Kwape said the visit, whic came at the President Nyusi invitation also accorded both presidents an opportunity to ensure continuity of all engagements and agreements between Botswana and Mozambique.

Following the  recently concluded 8th session of the Botswana/Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation(JPCC) both presidents are expected to to oversee the signing of Memorundum of Understanding and Agreements in the areas of  road infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, food security as well as public order, a press release from the Mistry of Foreign Affairs says. 

  Dr Kwape said  strides had been made in the beef industry as some Mozambique companies imported Botswana meat to a country that has about 30million population, hence, he stated that this opened opportunity to grow the industry owing to the availability of a big market.

Dr Kwape also mentioned some of the collaborations between Botswana and Mozambique, which included deployment of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) under the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) for regional support in Mozambique to combat the threat of terrorism acts of violent extremism in the Cabo Delgado Region.

“As this mission comes to an end, it is important for the two leaders to touch base because our last batch of Botswana’s contingent is scheduled to come home end of July,” he said.

Minister Kwape also mentioned that the visit included bidding farewell to President Nyusi, whose term is ending as Mozambicans prepare to vote in October this year.

Botswana and Mozambique have maintained bilateral relations since 1975, with historical ties dating back even before independence. Botswana served as a haven for exile leaders during Mozambique’s liberation struggle.

The President’s itinerary for the visit consisted of a private meeting at the president’s office, official discussions between the two leaders, witnessing the signing of legal cooperation agreements, and honoring fallen heroes at the Mozambique Heroes Monument.

Additionally, the President and his delegation will tour the Tete Province, Cahora Bassa District, and Montebelo Milibangalala. The visit will conclude with attendance at the tripartite summit involving Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe at Ponta Techobanine.

President is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mmusi Kgafela, and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Mabuse Pule and senior government officials. ENDS