President Jacob Zuma has this morning, 29 August 2012, arrived in Gaborone, Botswana for a two day State visit.
South Africa and Botswana enjoy very strong historical, economic, social, political and neighbourly relations, which were deepened during South Africa’s struggle for liberation.
The visit follows the successful State visit of President Seretse Khama Ian Khama to South Africa in October 2010, during which the two countries reviewed progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.
President Zuma will today hold official talks with President Khama which will be followed by the signing of agreements including a Bi-National Commission agreement at a Presidential level, under which relations will be structured, moving forward.
President Zuma will also attend a state luncheon hosted by President Khama in his honour.
The President will later address the Bostwana/South Africa Business Seminar in Gaborone and visit the graves where the victims of the apartheid forces lay buried.
The state visit is expected to focus on key areas such as trade and investment, energy, transport, science and technology, environment and security issues. It will also emphasise the need to invest in infrastructure development, especially for the two countries to work together on large scale projects such as cross border infrastructure, industrial and energy developments.
Strong economic ties already exist between the two countries and South Africa remains Botswana’s major trading partner. South African companies have a huge presence in Botswana and are involved in various sectors, including mining, housing, food and beverages, construction, retail, hotels and leisure, banking and medical services.
President Zuma is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Energy, Trade and Industry, Transport, Water and Environmental Affairs, Science and Technology as well as Defence and Military Veterans.
A multi-sectoral business delegation is also accompanying the President to meet with their Botswana counterparts.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@mweb.co.za or mediaenquiries@po.gov.za
President Zuma arrives in Botswana on a two-day State visit
