20 Nov 2014

The President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and 
his South African counterpart, Mr Jacob Zuma have said they remain committed to 
the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

Speaking
 during the Summit Meeting of the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission
(BNC) in Gaborone on November 20, President Khama said Botswana was ready to work
with its southern neighbours “to advance our collective development goals
through bilateral and regional cooperation for the betterment of our people”.

President 
Khama said this showed that they did not only demonstrate the importance they
attach to the BNC but also attested to their commitment to advance their common
values of democracy, equality, good governance and development.

“Our 
presence here today to review bilateral commitment and to give guidance in the
conduct of our relations mirrors our common resolve in this regard,” he said.

The President
 said he was particularly pleased that the progress report in a number of
 sectors equally reflected this aspiration. He further said efforts had been
 made in the defence and security sector characterised by excellent cooperation 
in all forms of cross border crime and ensure public safety and security.

Progress was 
also been made in economic and trade sector which resulted with the conclusion
of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA), the completion and commissioning of Middlepits cross water
 supply as well as the signing of the agreements on the construction of two 
cross border bridges at Platjaan and Notwane.

President 
Khama said government to government cooperation was highly appreciated and
therefore they would continue to do more to facilitate interactions at all
levels to realise the full potential of cooperation between Botswana and South
Africa.



“It is indeed my fervent hope that the meetings of our officials and ministers
 have unlocked any impediments that may have inhibited full cooperation between
our two countries in the past,” he said.

For his
 part, President Zuma said the BNP provided the two countries with a platform to 
expand areas of cooperation. 

“We need to prioritise cooperation on those areas that can have an immediate
impact on the lives of our people,” he said.

President
 Zuma said the two countries needed to look closely at economic projects that had
 cross border dimension. He said he noted the large presence of South African 
companies in Botswana involved in various sectors and added he hoped they
 contributed towards economic development and diversification.

President
 Zuma called for further cooperation in tourism saying the sector had potential
to create employment that the two countries need.

“We need to
work with great agility to enhance historical bonds that happily exist between
our country and peoples. Our people expect more from us and we therefore not fail in our collective resolve to improve their lives,” he said. ends