01 Jul 2013

The United States is an integral partner in Botswana’s efforts to diversify the economy and fuel the next engine of growth.

Ambassador Michelle Gavin of the US said this during an event to mark the 237th independence anniversary of her country. She said the US was ready to work with the government and private sector to help preserve and expand Botswana’s remarkable economic success.

Ms Gavin said America had established a solid partnership with different arms of Botswana’s government in confronting a new and growing challenge of wildlife poaching.

As the society tackled the challenges before them, and as Batswana wrestled with the challenges of the country’s future, she said they looked forward to continued strong, candid and effective partnership.

She said the US’s independence was founded on the rights of its citizens establishing those rights and then doing everything necessary to ensure that those rights were enjoyed.

Ms Gavin stated that 237 years ago, attaining those inalienable rights for Americans meant fighting a war, but today America was blessed that they could fight for rights with compassion, reason, open communication and the law.

Much progress was realised on many fronts and most noteworthy was the fight for the rights of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender Americans, adding that she was proud of the progress seen in the US.

The measure of a country, she said, was not taken simply by its history and its past achievements, but in how a place confronted the challenges of today and plans for tomorrow.

She said it was in the willingness of each successive generation to apply their energies making their country as strong as it can be, adding that Americans believe that greatness is not about acquisition and satisfaction but it is about the relentless pursuit of progress.

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani said America managed contradictions so well that at times people outside thought that there were no serious political differences or divergent views in America.

Minister Skelemani said this put United States as the epitome of democracy.  “You live it and we also aspire for it because we know there is no better system of governance yet found by mankind,” he said.

He stated that the formation of the USA provided a solid point of reference for nations all over the world when seeking the right to independence and freedom, a right which Botswana acquired in 1966 and still holding on to it.

This, he said afforded them an opportunity to express profound gratitude and appreciation to the successive governments and the people of the USA for the significant role that they played in the development of the country since independence.

Minister Skelemani noted that through USA embassy’s efforts and that of Botswana mission in Washington, a number of American companies havd been exploring investment and trade opportunities in Botswana.

He observed that during the last exploratory mission to Botswana in April 2013 by a number of prestigious American Universities, a number of partnerships with some local institutions were formed and sponsorships offered to some Batswana students.  ENDS