15 March 2021
Kinshasa, DRC: His Excellency, President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has offered the chairperson of the African Union, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Botswana’s unconditional support during his tenure. President Masisi once again congratulated President Tshisekedi and expressed confidence that he shall steer the AU in the right direction.
The two leaders met yesterday at the National Palace in Kinshasa during President Masisi’s one day working visit in DRC.
The two leaders discussed a number of possible areas of cooperation between their two countries such as mining and export of beef from the Ngamiland in Botswana to the DRC.
President Masisi assured the AU chair of Botswana’s support during his tenure and offered human capital whenever a need arises. He said Botswana has many experienced and qualified personnel in different fields and he was following on his commitment to look for opportunities for them beyond our borders and also offer them to the multilateral organisations we are members of.
The two leaders also discussed the SADC Executive Secretary position which the two countries are competing for. They described their discussions on the matter as deep and friendly and in the end agreed to further engage.
“As i said in Malawi last week, i want to re-energise the brand of Botswana. This can be done among others through nurturing good relations with other countries. If we can achieve this, then we will be in a better position to compete for more positions globally,” said President Masisi.
DRC has announced its candidacy for the non permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2022-2023. The two leaders engaged on this and President Masisi gave President Tshisekedi assurance of Botswana’s support. “This is how we support one another as neighbours and members of SADC,” said Masisi.
Source: Botswana presidency🇧🇼