Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana and Japan have a long standing history of friendship, respect for the rule of law, mutual cooperation based on Botho, humility and a culture of peace, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
Speaking at the Japanese National Day reception in Gaborone recently, Dr Kwape said the two countries cooperated in a number of sectors.
He noted that last year the two countries concluded negotiations on a P1.45 billion loan support to help Botswana overcome economic pressures in the aftermath of COVID-19.
He said the funds would go a long way in facilitating Botswana’s economic recovery following the pandemic.
The minister also said Botswana was grateful for Japan assistance towards the construction of the Kazungula Bridge and the One Stop-Border Post.
He noted that the arrangement had reduced border transit time and facilitated a more efficient movement of goods, services and people.
He also hailed Japan for its support to projects geared at enhancing the economic and social development of communities, adding that it had improved the livelihood of remote communities and disadvantaged populations.
Moreover, Dr Kwape said Botswana was grateful for the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme, noting that the volunteers continued to impact positively on local communities.
Dr Kwape also noted that they had partnered with the Japanese Association of International Music Exchange for children (AIMEC) and that they had donated musical instruments to schools in Botswana.
He clarified that the aim was to empower, unleash talent and cultivate the love of music as an art as well as to promote free expression.
The minister noted that Kathiana Primary School in Shakawe had been a recipient of the musical instruments, adding that another consignment would be donated to another school in Ghanzi.
The Japan National Day is commemorated in honour of Emperor Naruhito’s birthday. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019 as the 126th Emperor.
Dr Kwape also thanked Japan for being a long-term and trusted ally of Africa, noting that they were one of the major contributors of Overseas Development Assistance.
He said Japan also assisted the development of Africa through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) by facilitating partnerships for sustainable development of the African continent.
For his part, the Japanese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Ohmori Setsuo said the two countries were not just peace-loving, but also committed to promoting human security, multilateralism, the rule of law and sustainable human development.
He hailed the Japanese volunteer teams that were making an impact in the lives of Batswana.
He noted that they were involved in clean-up campaigns, teaching about recycling and renewable resources. He said some were environmental educators and some were involved in coaching Japan oriented sports.
Regarding the national day, he noted that the Emperor played a critical role as the symbol of unity in Japan.
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