13 Aug 2024

His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has implored Botswana’s Ambassador – Designate to the United States of America, Major General Mpho Mophuting to relentlessly defend, protect and promote the country’s image and interest in his mission abroad.

Speaking during a courtesy meeting on Tuesday, President Masisi said Botswana attached great importance to the excellent bilateral relations that subsisted between herself and the USA.

President Masisi emphasised the importance Botswana placed on its excellent bilateral relations with the USA.  He urged Maj. Gen. Mophuting to ensure that Botswana’s aspirations were translated into tangible results by nurturing existing ties and exploring new avenues for trade.

“The USA is definitely one of the biggest economies in the world and one of our leading diamond markets. Thus, it is crucial to nurture and protect our economic and diplomatic ties at all times,” President Masisi stated.

To this end, President Masisi expressed confidence that Maj. Gen. Mophuting would work diligently to expand Botswana’s diamond market internationally. He highlighted that enhancing bilateral and economic relations with the USA should remain a priority for the benefit of Botswana’s citizens.

While placing significant emphasis on the diamond trade, President Masisi also tasked the ambassador-Designate with deepening Botswana’s agricultural interests within the American agricultural sector.

“The Americans have made major strides in animal breeding genetics, which aligns with our government’s goal of establishing a footprint in quality animal breed genetics and increasing the national herd.”

Maj. Gen. Mophuting on the other hand pledged to always have the country’s interests at heart and serve Botswana with humility, honour, dignity and grace at all times.  “The promotion of the Botswana diamond for development story is one of my key priority areas as I look forward to promoting Botswana’s interests,” he said and vowed to consult with other key industry players to foster Botswana’s interests abroad.ENDS