29 Jan 2015

The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Eric Molale, has commended the United States and the Republic of Cuba for normalising their relations.

Speaking during the 56th Anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution on January 28, Mr Molale said he noted with satisfaction that the leaders of the two countries had initiated a process of constructive engagement aimed at the normalisation of relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Mr Molale said it was a positive development for which Botswana commended President Barak Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Mr Paul Castro, for their decisive leadership and courage to improve the USA/Cuba relations.

He said Botswana continued to promote global issues such as peaceful resolution of conflicts, sustainable development, South-South cooperation and human rights in the multilateral in order to contribute to the building of a more peaceful and prosperous world.

The anniversary also marked the 37th anniversary since establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Botswana. Mr Molale said Botswana further recommitted itself to do more to widen the scope of bilateral cooperation with Cuba.

He hailed the Republic of Cuba for continuity in providing technical assistance to Botswana in various fields such as the health sector through the provision of doctors, and the education sector through the provision of teachers in the vital areas of physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, agriculture, and sports.

He said Botswana would remain eternally grateful to Cuba for its invaluable assistance, which continued to help improve the welfare of Batswana. He also said Cuba’s generous gesture of generosity should go a long way to contribute to the development needs and efforts in Botswana.

Mr Molale also said Botswana would remain steadfast in its commitment to the implementation of existing agreements between Cuba which are the cornerstone of their mutual beneficial relations.

Ambassador of Cuba to Botswana, Mr Juan Carlos Arencibia Corrales said Cuban assistance and cooperation began in the early 60’s in Africa. Mr Corrales said the Cuban Republic had put their human resources to the benefit of the developing countries.

He said Cuba was highly grateful for the traditional and consistent support by means of the favourite vote that Botswana has been offering to the resolutions submitted to the UN General Assembly since 1992, requesting the lifting of the economic, financial and commercial blockage imposed by the United States.

He pointed out that he would do his best to identify and support opportunities of cooperation and further strengthen the bonds of friendship for the two countries.

Gracing the event was the minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, former minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Pandu Skelemani, Assistant Minister of Education, Skills and Development, Ms Unity Dow, Palapye MP Mr Moisaraele Goya, and other representatives from Diplomatic missions and international organisations. ENDS