Africa-Press – Botswana. In a continued effort to deepen their bilateral relations and explore opportunities for trade, Botswana and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas have engaged in a series of high-level visits and discussions.
The recent events included President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s state visit to The Bahamas in September last year, followed by an official visit to Botswana by The Bahamas Prime Minister, Mr Phillip Davis, in March this year.
Botswana is set to welcome the Governor General of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Ms Dame Cynthia Alexandria Pratt, on a state visit at the invitation of President Masisi.
This visit comes at a time when both nations are making significant progress in enhancing their bilateral relations, particularly in sectors such as tourism, finance, trade, and investment.
Following Mr Davis’s official visit, the leaders of Botswana and The Bahamas announced plans to expand cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, agriculture, and finance by June 2024.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations has already been signed, along with an MoU between Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) and The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) to facilitate student and staff exchanges, joint research projects, and academic programme development.
Moreover, Botswana has extended scholarships and graduate spaces to students from The Bahamas, while The Bahamas has provided access to a depository facility at the Grand Bahama Port to enhance trade and economic cooperation.
During discussions, the leaders also addressed political and security issues in their respective regions, acknowledging the prevailing peace and stability in Southern Africa with some noted exceptions.
Mr Davis commended Botswana’s SmartBots initiative to enhance internet connectivity and expressed a willingness to support Botswana’s technological advancements through digitisation. President Masisi reiterated Botswana’s commitment to the MoU signed with The Bahamas, focusing on mutual economic development and cooperation in various sectors.
The deepening ties between Botswana and The Bahamas build upon a long-standing relationship that dates back to the early 20th century. Looking ahead, both nations aim to leverage their shared values and economic strengths to drive development and prosperity.
In a sign of further collaboration, the Bank of Botswana will embark on a benchmarking mission to The Bahamas in April to explore digital currency transformation opportunities.
Meanwhile a press release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Governor General Ms Alexandra Pratt state visit from July 29 to August 2, aims to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations between the two countries.
While in Botswana, the Governor General will hold official talks with President Masisi and also receive progress updates on the implementation of decisions emanating from the official visit to Botswana by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Mr Phillip Davis in March 2024 as well the state visit undertaken by President Masisi to The Bahamas in September 2023.
Additionally, the press release says the Governor General will among others visit the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB).
It says Botswana and The Bahamas established formal diplomatic relations in May 2006. Over the years, the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations and have cooperated in various areas including education, particularly in the higher learning sector.
The Governor General will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Frederick Mitchell and senior government officials.
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