Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is expected to mount a full guard of honour and roll out a red carpet for the Bahamas’ Prime Minister Phillip Davis, who arrives in Gaborone tomorrow (March 18).
Mr Davis’ six-day official visit is at the invitation of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The last state visit to Botswana by a Bahamian leader was by the then Prime Minister, Mr Hubert Ingraham in 1999, where it was agreed that the two nations establish diplomatic ties.
In 2000, Botswana’s third President Dr Festus Mogae undertook a four-day state visit during which both nations signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations at a non-residential level.
In May 2006, Botswana and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas signed establishment of diplomatic relations in London, United Kingdom.
In September last year, President Masisi undertook a three-day official visit to the Caribbean nation, which was seen as a reinforcement of the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Davis told President Masisi at a press conference held at the Margaretville Beach Resort that his visit in Bahamas was not merely an official visit, but the growth of a deeply rooted friendship between the two countries.
President Masisi’s visit to Nassau was seen as an opportunity to build on the close working relations between the two nations and further discuss issues of mutual concern.
During their last meeting in Nassau, Botswana and Bahamas put to pen a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral and political consultation.
The MoU was on the establishment of bilateral and political consultations based on the areas of environment and tourism, trade and investment, agriculture, health and financial sector.
Both President Masisi and Mr Davis made a commitment to enhance economic ties and focus on improving economic relations.
During his visit, President Masisi paid a courtesy call on the Governor General of the Bahamas, Ms Cynthia Alexandria Pratta and also delivered a public lecture at the University of Bahamas.
The audience included Bahamas members of cabinet, University of Bahamas students and final year high school pupils.
Held under the theme, Strengthening Democracy to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders, the address was meant to cultivate exchange of knowledge and skills with Botswana institutions of higher learning.
Mr Davis administration is actively strengthening its foreign policy and the exchange visit stands as clear evidence of such commitment.
The Bahamas is a well-established member of the international community, having membership of the United Nations and its specialised agencies such as the Commonwealth, the Caribbean and the Organisation of the American States, among others.
The Bahamas had been a member of the Commonwealth since independence in 1973 and hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 1985.
Economic activity in the Bahamas is centred on tourism and financial services.
With few natural resources tourism is the engine of the island’s economy, accounting for approximately 70 per cent of the GDP.
Both Botswana and Bahamas are faced with challenges of market access to developed countries and international competition for foreign direct investment, among others.
Prime Minister Davis and his delegation are expected to go back home on Saturday.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
