Africa-Press – Botswana. Swiss Confederation President Alain Berset arrived in Gaborone yesterday on a three-day historic state visit to Botswana at the invitation of President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.
He is accompanied by spouse, Ms Muriel Zeender-Berset, senior government officials and a delegation of Swiss multinational companies representatives.
Having established formal diplomatic relations in 1967, Botswana and Switzerland enjoy excellent bilateral relations anchored on shared values of commitment to democracy, good governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and a common vision for a free market society.
During the visit, the two leaders will raise contacts to another level
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs news release states that there have been a number of high-level exchanges between the two countries among them President Masisi’s May 2022 working visit to Switzerland.
The Swiss Confederation’s engagement with Botswana is based on its country’s Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021-2024.
On the economic front, Botswana and Switzerland relations are governed through the Southern African Customs Union – European Free Trade Association Free Trade Area (SACU-EFTA FTA).
In June 1998, the two countries signed an Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment which intends to enhance economic cooperation and create a favourable condition for investment.
The two countries also cooperate in various areas such as agriculture, defence, education, health, immigration, trade and investment.
A number of agreements have also been signed by both parties which include, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), and the University de Lausanne signed in 2018.
In 2019, an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports was signed between the Swiss Federal Council and Botswana government.On regional and multilateral cooperation, Botswana and Switzerland are both members of the World Trade Organisation and the UN and continue to work together at different levels to address common global issues such peace and security, climate change, global health, economic and social justice.President Berset’s itinerary includes official talks with President Masisi that will culminate in signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the health sector.
He is scheduled to visit Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership and National Health Laboratory.Also itinerary are visits to the National Assembly, SADC headquarters and Tlokweng Kgotla as well as attendance of the Botswana-Switzerland Business Forum.
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