Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana and Zambia have had a strong friendship since gaining independence, with Zambia being described as Botswana’s most dependable friend.
Welcoming Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema, January 24, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the two countries shared cultural ties, language, and also the ‘love for cattle in their respective nations.’
President Masisi acknowledged Zambia’s vital support for Botswana in gaining acceptance into the Organisation of African Unity, as well as during the liberation wars with neighboring minority regimes.
“Zambia is uniquely important to Botswana much more than Botswana is to Zambia. When we were a doubted entity by the rest of Africa in our quest to be a member of the Organisation of Africa Unity, it was the late Dr Kenneth Kaunda who persuaded the late Dr Julius Nyerere to literally hold our founding President, former President Sir Seretse Khama by the hand and made weight for him to be accepted into the organisation against all hostility” he said.
President Masisi specifically lauded the late Dr Kaunda for his advocacy, as well as for providing refuge for Botswana during challenging times.
Dr Kaunda went to the extent of giving a public testimony about Botswana’s viability, President Masisi said.
The cordial relations between the two countries, which were further strengthened by Dr Kaunda’s visits to Botswana, continue to be important in addressing mutual interests and challenges, including the discussions in Kasane.
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