Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has appealed to envoys from Spain, Uganda, Canada and Kenya to strengthen relations between Botswana and their nations.
Receiving Namibia-based Ambassador of Spain to Botswana Mr Alberto de la Calle Garcia, President Masisi said Botswana and Spain shared sorrow and pain following the passing on of President Dr Hage Geingob of Namibia.
“Both nations have lost a mutual friend,” he said.
He further noted that long-term relations between Spain and Botswana were premised on mutual values of good governance, the rule of law and peace.
President Masisi encouraged Mr Garcia to advocate for investment in improving trade relations in areas of water and mining, harness technical expertise in agriculture, especially in livestock breeding.
Relating to the advocacy on the hunting ban, Dr Masisi appealed to Spain to assist the world in understanding Botswana’s case, adding, “Botswana is equally concerned by the safety of its wildlife and people, therefore working on measures to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict towards peaceful sharing of the natural.”
President Masisi said the country had over the years proven to be a safe hub for its growing elephant population, hence its reputation as the elephant protector in the world.
In welcoming Uganda’s incoming High Commissioner, Mr Amoru Paul, President Masisi said Uganda was a pillar of strength to Botswana’s development as many of the country’s technocrats were trained in Uganda.
He said the two nations must focus on areas of common interest, particularly the livestock sector and vaccines, including trade and advised Mr Paul to zero in on other areas of interest such as the mineral sector.
Turning to Canada High Commissioner, Mr Adler Ariste, President Masisi said Canada had been a special partner to Botswana, particularly in the diamonds industry.
President Masisi said the relationship between the two nations had guided Botswana towards establishing a beneficial relationship with DeBeers in relation to the diamond mining sector.
He said the support had assisted in laying down a foundation of values consistent with what the country desired and ensuring that the diamonds were beneficial to nation-building.
Receiving letters of credence from the incoming Kenya’s High Commissioner, Ms Sabdiyo Bashuna, President Masisi said through their expertise in the agriculture space, the two nations would learn from each other.
Dr Masisi added that the country was in disagreement with the position of CITES relating to the ban on the sale of game products.
The President therefore said Kenya must understand and support the position of Botswana in preserving the wildlife species and ensuring that they benefit the people.
“It will not be fair for the country to dispose by burning, its accumulated loads of ivory as they are a valuable treasure that must be put to good use to benefit the people,” he said. Handing over his letter of credence, Spain’s Mr Garcia said his will and commitment was to traverse the country to understand better its priorities.
He said Spain admired Botswana’s efforts in advancing socio-economic development through revenue generated from mining and tourism, among other sectors.
Mr Paul of Uganda said he had visited the Botswana Vaccine Institute. He said Uganda was recently hit by a major outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and therefore in urgent need of 10 million doses of FMD vaccines.
Canada’s High Commissioner, Mr Ariste appreciated Botswana’s long-standing tradition of abiding by democratic principles and the rule of law. He also acknowledged Botswana’s positive contribution to the region.
Mr Ariste also wished Botswana well in the upcoming general elections. Ms Bashuna of Kenya said the spirit of brotherhood and common interests guided the relations between the two countries.
She said Kenya appreciated the hospitality extended to its people residing in Botswana and emphasised the importance of improved trade relations between the two nations.
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