29 Jun 2025

Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, has reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with the United States, citing recent high-level engagements, shared values, and strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking at the 249^th US independence day celebration in Gaborone on Thursday, he extended congratulations on behalf of President Duma Boko and the people of Botswana, noting that the 4^th of July marked not just American independence but also a global celebration of democracy, freedom, and unity.

“We are pleased by the tremendous progress our two countries continue to make in deepening and broadening the scope of our bilateral cooperation,” he said.

 Dr Butale highlighted President Boko’s recent diplomatic visit to the United States, where he held what was described as a highly productive meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials

 “The Secretary confirmed that it was by far the best meeting he has had,” Dr Butale added. He further cited Botswana’s successful launch of its first satellite, BOTSAT-1, in March 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as a major milestone in US -Botswana collaboration in science and technology.

“This accomplishment is a testament to Botswana’s growing engagement with U.S. space and technology leaders,” he said. On human capital development, Dr Butale expressed appreciation for longstanding American support through initiatives such as the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

He added that a delegation of 13 Members of Parliament recently participated in an IVLP exchange that focused on leadership, innovation, and governance, engaging with members of Congress and US State Department officials.

Dr Butale also praised the recent US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa, calling it a vital platform for strengthening private sector cooperation and mutually beneficial investment.

He described the US as a consistent and reliable development partner and expressed confidence in continued collaboration on economic development, regional integration, and peacebuilding. 

US Chargé d’Affaires Ms Allyson Algeo underscored the shared values that bind the two countries. “Liberty, democracy, and rule of law are not just ideals, they are the foundation of our story and yours,” she said.

Ms Algeo said that despite centuries separating Botswana and the United States in their respective independence journeys, the two were united by same principle.

She applauded Botswana’s public health leadership, highlighting its recognition by the World Health Organisation as the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

“It is a triumph of Botswana’s leadership and a landmark in global health, supported by one of the most consequential US foreign policy programs PEPFAR,” she said.

Ms Algeo also said US supported development in Botswana, including construction of new health facilities by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the donation of a US$30 million (about P400 million) C-130 Hercules aircraft to enhance Botswana’s defense and emergency response capabilities.

She emphasised America’s intent to deepen trade and private sector ties with Botswana, encouraging an enabling environment for investment. As the two countries prepare to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, both speakers called for continued trust and cooperation. “Let’s continue to invest in that momentum and believe in each other,” Ms Algeo said. ENDS