Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana and Turkiye have cultivated a partnership rooted in shared values and grounded in mutual respect such as diplomacy, good governance, respect of human rights and the rule of law.
Officiating at the Turkiye National Day reception in Gaborone recently, Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy permanent secretary for Bilateral Diplomacy, Mr Clifford Maribe said the celebration was a significant event marking the 101 independence anniversary of Turkiye.
“This occasion offers us a valuable opportunity to reflect on the enduring bond of friendship that our two countries have fostered over the years. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1981, we have cultivated a partnership rooted in shared values,” said Mr Maribe.
He said over the years, Turkiye extended invaluable support to Botswana, encompassing technical assistance, development aid and sharing of expertise across various sectors including education, health and agriculture.
Mr Maribe said Turkiye believed in Botswana’s capacity building initiatives, advancing national development goals and enhancing human resources capabilities and infrastructure.
He said it was encouraging to witness the ongoing benefits derived from the General Agreement on Cooperation between the two nations. Mr Maribe said the benefits were evident in the numerous scholarships awarded to Batswana students, enabling them to pursue a diverse array of undergraduate and post graduate disciplines in Turkiye.
He said the educational opportunities not only enhanced their academic and professional future but also promoted cultural exchange and understanding.
Additionally, he said Botswana had greatly benefited from the technical assistance provided by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). He said in July, TIKA generously donated equipment valued at P285 000, to support visually impaired learners at Seolwe Junior Secondary School in Francistown.
Mr Maribe said last month, TIKA launched a two-week textile training programmme aimed at enhancing vocational skills and empowering disadvantaged youth at Tlamelong Rehabilitation Centre in Tlokweng.
“We firmly believe that empowering our youth through such initiatives is essential for constructing a more inclusive society,” said Mr Maribe.
On the Joint Commission for Cooperation, Mr Maribe stated that Botswana was fully prepared to host the third session of the Botswana-Turkiye Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) which would present an invaluable opportunity for both nations to revitalise collaboration and deepen ties across various sectors.
Although Botswana’s exports to Turkiye were moderate, Mr Maribe said the country was heartened by a keen interest of Turkish investors shown in key sectors of the economy.
Mr Maribe said according to online data on FDI flows from January 2023 to the present, 28 Turkish companies announced plans for global expansion in sectors such as financial and business services, agribusiness, renewal energy and information technology services.
He added that cultural exchange was another vital pillar for the two nations bilateral relations.
“The connection forged through educational scholarships, cultural programmes and tourism have enriched societies and strengthened ties,” said Mr Maribe.
On the international stage, Mr Maribe said Botswana and Turkiye had collaborated to address global challenges. “Our shared commitment to sustainable development, climate action and peace keeping reflects a mutual vision for a prosperous future,” said Mr Maribe.
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