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Statement by president Khama at a state banquet on the occasion of the state visit to Botswana by president Nyusi – full text
8:37 CAT | 25 Apr 2017
BW Government Facebook / President of Botswana Ian Khama
Salutations
1. Let me start by extending a very warm welcome to you, Mr. President, and your delegation on this happy occasion of your State Visit to Botswana. We are indeed delighted and honoured to host you in our country.
2. I must say we were truly humbled and deeply honoured that you personally joined us when we commemorated our 50th Anniversary of Independence on 30th September 2016.
3. Your presence here again today, symbolises the excellent relations and long-standing bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist between our two countries and peoples.
4. I must also express my sincere gratitude to you and your Government for hosting me on a State Visit to Mozambique, last year. We had fruitful deliberations on bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest to both our countries.
5. The fact that we meet a year later, here in Gaborone, is indeed testament to our strong commitment and desire to further strengthen and deepen the existing bilateral cooperation and friendship between our two countries.
6. Your Excellency, your visit to Botswana has afforded us an invaluable opportunity to review the progress we have made in advancing our strategic partnership and close collaboration in critical sectors of our respective economies.
7. I note with appreciation, the steady progress we continue to make in deepening collaboration is areas such as Trade and Investment; Agriculture; Energy; Transport; Defence and Security Cooperation; Education; Health; Minerals; to mention, but a few.
8. It is also critical for our two countries to continue to redouble our efforts in accelerating implementation of strategic projects such as the development of a deep-sea port and a railway line linking Botswana with Mozambique. The development of this vital transport corridor, will go a long way in unlocking the economic potential of our two countries, and also contribute towards greater regional integration.
9. I note with satisfaction that the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between Botswana and Mozambique continues to meet regularly in order to advance the implementation of our agreed commitments. Whilst we continue to expand the scope of our bilateral cooperation by signing additional bilateral agreements, it is however, critical that we ensure their effective implementation. This will ensure that our people benefit from tangible programmes and projects, which will help improve their living standards.
10. Your Excellency, it is encouraging that our determination to promote economic and trade cooperation between our two countries remains high on our development agenda. The convening of a business forum tomorrow, demonstrates the importance and recognition we place on our private sector entities as the drivers of economic growth in our respective countries.
11. I therefore wish to urge the business community to partake in the business forum, in order to learn more about investment opportunities in both Mozambique and Botswana.
12. Your Excellency, let me take this opportunity to commend you and your Government for the resolute efforts you continue to make in the search for a lasting solution to the political and security challenges that your country is currently facing.
13. We remain optimistic that the ongoing political dialogue will result in a durable political settlement that is acceptable to both parties for the good of all the Mozambican people.
14. My Government feels greatly honoured by the inclusion of Botswana in the peace building initiatives in Mozambique. I wish to assure you, Your Excellency, of our continued unwavering support to the ongoing collective efforts aimed at consolidating peace, unity and stability in your country.
15. Notwithstanding your own development challenges, we note the commendable efforts of your Government in addressing the political and security challenges in our sub-region. I wish to applaud you, Mr. President, for the sterling efforts and commitment you have demonstrated during your tenure as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
16. The challenges currently confronting humankind have become more complex, and are of major proportions. As leaders, we therefore have to work more closely together if we are to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development. I am confident that with the political will and commitment to inculcate a culture of good governance, the development challenges presently facing our Continent are not insurmountable.
17. In closing, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you, Mr President, for honouring my invitation to visit Botswana. I wish you and your delegation a pleasant and fruitful stay.
Your Excellency, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen;
18. May I now ask you to rise and join me in drinking a toast to:
• the continued personal good health and wellbeing of His Excellency Mr. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique;
• the continued friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Botswana and Mozambique; and
• to international peace and security.
Saude!!
Muito Obrigado!!
Source: BW Government Facebook
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