01 Jul 2013

The newly established Botswana diplomatic mission in Mozambique will assist both countries to deliver tangible and sustainable development for the good of their people.

 Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani said the mission would foster the desired cooperation, especially that Botswana and Mozambique enjoyed excellent bilateral relations.

Officiating at a celebration to mark Mozambique’s Independence Day in Gaborone on June 28, Minister Skelemani said the mission that was opened in September 2012, would provide the requisite complimentary to the Mozambican High Commission in Gaborone.

These relations, Mr Skelemani said, were underpinned by strong and close historical ties which went back to the liberation struggle of Mozambique. “We are very proud of the supportive role we played during the liberation struggle and for the genuine friendship that has developed between our countries since then,” he said.

In an effort to broaden and deepen the friendship, Mr Skelemani said Mozambique and Botswana established the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation which was a mechanism for focusing and driving mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

On developmental issues, the minister said there was need to expeditiously implement the heavy-haulage railway line and deep sea port project at Ponta Techobanine in Mozambique. He said the railway line would offer an alternative and critical export route to overseas markets for Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

For his part, Mozambique High Commikssioner, Mr Tiago Castigo thanked the Botswana government and its people for their support when natural adversities such as floods hit his country last year.

He highlighted that his government was addressing the contingency by readjusting its budget and resorting to internal debt. “This is a serious challenge for our economy especially considering the expected inflation of 8.4 per cent,” he said.

Mr Castigo highlighted that the cooperation between the two countries had grown from strength to strength as the accreditation of the first ever High Commissioner of Botswana in Maputo bears testimony of the excellent level of relations.

The High Commissioner called for partnership and strong ties within the private sector of both countries adding that they were crucial for solid and strong bilateral relationships.   ENDS