Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma and Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening existing strategic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people.
The Summit meeting of the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission between South African and Botswana was held in Gaborone on Thursday. The summit was preceded by the meeting of the ministers on Wednesday.
In their opening remarks, the two Presidents noted with satisfaction, ongoing progress in many areas of cooperation including agriculture, defence and security, education, energy, environment, health, home affairs, justice, labour, minerals, science and technology, trade and industry, sports, transport and water.
The two Heads of State exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
On bilateral co-operation, both Presidents underscored the excellent relations that exist between Botswana and South Africa, founded on deep historical, cultural, linguistic and family ties, as well as shared values of mutual respect, commitment to democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
According to a communiqué on the Bi-National Commission (BNC) both parties further noted that 34 agreements have over the years been signed between the two countries covering inter alia immigration, defence and security, energy, trade, transport and environment.
The two Heads of State emphasised the need to fully implement all the signed Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The BNC welcomed ongoing cooperation in scholarship offers on Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and training in other fields of science and technology.
“In this regard, the commission noted the conclusion of the MoU on Energy Research & Development between Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), which was signed in June 2014,” the communiqué read.
The commission welcome the signing of the Revised TSWASA Water Supply Agreement during the 2nd Session of the Bi-National Commission between Botswana and South Africa.
The revised agreement allows flexibility between the two countries to effect allocation of water to the greater Gaborone area between the rainy seasons subject to the Molatedi dam water levels.
The commission further welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Industrial Cooperation. This MoU provides for the widening and broadening of economic cooperation between the two countries.
On regional issues, the two Heads of State exchanged views on political developments in the region and the continent including the situation in the DRC, Lesotho and Madagascar, the elections recently held in Botswana, Mozambique, as well as upcoming elections in Namibia, Mauritius, Zambia and Lesotho.
President Zuma expressed his gratitude to President Ian Khama, the government and people of Botswana for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He invited President Ian Khama to the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission to be held in South Africa at a date to be mutually decided. – SAnews.gov.za
