Africa-Press – Botswana. Minister for State President Mr Kabo Morwaeng appreciates the support offered to Botswana by the Japanese government.
Speaking on the occasion to mark Emperor Naruhito’s 63rd birthday and National day of Japan in Gaborone, Thursday, Mr Morwaeng said the support had been made possible by the close bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries dating back to 1966.“Allow me to note with appreciation the recent P1.5 billion soft loan that government of Japan offered to Botswana as budget support to help counter the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
He said government was also in the process of securing agricultural equipment through a Japanese government grant of US$5 million.
“This will go a long way in boosting our efforts to improve the agricultural output in our communities,” he added.
Mr Morwaeng said Japan was a reliable and unwavering partner, noting that the two countries had cooperated in key areas such as infrastructure development, education, health, science and technology as well as trade and investment.
He stated that these were welcome gestures for which the country would be forever thankful.
He said government also welcomed Japan’s development assistance in the area of human resources development, which would help the country steer its economy towards the realisation of a modern and digitalised economy.
Minister Morwaeng added that Botswana was committed to a long-term friendship and cooperation with the Japanese people.
“Following the relaxation of travel restrictions, we hope to see more high-level exchanges, tourist arrivals, expansion of the teaching abroad programme and receiving more volunteers in our communities,” he said.
Japanese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Ohmori Setsuo said the Emperor’s birthday, also known as Tenno tanjobi was a national holiday, which celebrated the current birthday of Japan’s Emperor who was born on February 23, 1960.
“Today’s celebration marks the birthday of the 126th Emperor of Japan, a symbol of harmony and state of the people of Japan and we are grateful that Batswana have joined us in celebrating such a moment,” Mr Setsuo said.
He said bilateral relations between of the two countries were based on a sound foundation of mutual respect, understanding and support underpinned by shared fundamental values of democracy, human rights and rule of law.
“We recently welcomed two new Japan Overseas Cooperation volunteers who will assist the Botswana national museum and contribute to the completion of the museum and the development of artistic exchange between our two countries,” he said.
Mr Setsuo added that the second volunteer would serve as a Judo coach and help the growth of Botswana Judo.
He said his government was determined to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries and their people and also expand them to encompass many areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.
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