20 May 2013

Envoys from Thailand, Turkey and Nepal presented their letters of credence to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama on May 20.

The three are Mr Nonsiri Buranasiri, Mr Kaan Esener and Mr Arun Dhital. In an interview after the presentation, Ambassador Buranasiri of Thailand said his country would like to explore areas of cooperation with Botswana in tourism.

He said Thailand could share with Botswana her experiences in tourism, noting that his country received about 22 million tourists annually. He also said Botswana was a good destination for investors because of its good governance and respect for the rule of law.

The ambassador of Turkey, Mr Esener said in the African continent, his country attached great importance to strengthening ties with Botswana. He said in addition to the existing areas of cooperation, his country would like to explore new areas. Mr Esener said potential areas of cooperation with Botswana were in the field of transport, noting that the Minister of Transport and Communications recently signed a MoU with his country.

“We can further our relations in transport as Turkish airlines is one of the airlines that flies all over Africa and we will like to bring Turkish airlines here, this will provide more communication lines to Botswana,” he said. He said he was delighted that Turkish citizens enjoy visa-free entry into Botswana, adding that the exemption of Turkish citizens would further facilitate bilateral interactions in all fields.

Mr Esener said his government planned to open an embassy in Gaborone, noting that it would contribute to strengthening of the two countries bilateral relations. The ambassador for Nepal, Mr Dhital said Nepal and Botswana were working closely and held similar views at the United Nations, Non Alligned Movement (NAM) and other international forums on global issues of mutual concern.

“Both of us follow the principles of non-interference and like to solve problems within the framework of the United Nations,” he said. ENDS