Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana has long-standing and robust relations with Pakistan, Lithuania, Belarus, and Poland.
Receiving envoys from the four countries in Gaborone on Tuesday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Botswana and Pakistan shared many commonalities as non-aligned states, both holding United Nations and Commonwealth membership.
The President said Pakistan had steadfast democracy credentials. “You excel in what you do. I appeal to you to be the bridge that facilitates our collaboration,” he said. Moreover, President Masisi said Pakistan offered multiple trade opportunities for Botswana, especially in industrialisation and agriculture.
Dr Masisi also assured the Pakistan representative, Mr Aftab Hasan Khan that Botswana’s upcoming general elections would be conducted in a free, fair, open, and transparent manner, providing all political parties an equal opportunity to contest.
Welcoming Ms Rasa Jankauskaite from Lithuania, Dr Masisi noted the country’s transition to a viable formation and commended its robust growth in tourism and dairy farming. He said Botswana and Lithuania shared similar values and practices.
On Belarus, Dr Masisi advised Mr Igor Bely to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation, particularly in the production of unique fertilisers, plant-based and animal products, and agricultural advancements.
He said even though Botswana was equally thriving in agriculture, its efforts were affected by climatic situation as a semi-arid desert and lack of machinery.
However, President Masisi said the country had an ambitious crop production programme called Temo Letlotlo and was in the process of launching yet another programme in livestock production, Thuo Letlotlo.
To the Polish Ambassador, Mr Adam Burakowski, President Masisi highlighted the peaceful, cordial, and seamless relations enjoyed by Botswana and Poland.
He said Poland offered areas of excellence and possible innovation and advised the envoy to promote business relations and innovation, particularly in the automotive industry.
In response, Mr Khan of Pakistan expressed the significant historical ties between the two nations and emphasised the potential for partnership in regional and international organisations.
“We have a lot to offer to one another. We are partners in many regional and international organisations,” he said.
He also conveyed his best wishes for Botswana’s upcoming general elections.
Ms Jankauskaite of Lithuania said she was looking forward to the upcoming celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Botswana this year. She highlighted the importance of cooperation in renewable energy, academia, and people-to-people exchanges.
Mr Bely of Belarus underscored the substantial potential in the relations between the two nations, particularly in the mining sector, and urged increased cooperation in trade, economy, and politics.
Mr Burakowski of Poland emphasised the stable democracy in both countries and the need to expand relations, focusing on the diamond industry, food production, and cultural exchange.
He also highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts in education.
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