President of Botswana arrives for state visit to The Bahamas

The Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas released a statement on the 10^th of September, announcing a state visit involving The President of Botswana. This visit is seen as a sign of growing diplomatic ties between the two nations and is considered a positive for both parties.

“The visit, scheduled from the 12th to the 15th of September 2023, underlines the expanding diplomatic ties between The Bahamas and African nations as our country repositions itself on the global stage,” The Office of the Prime Minister said.

The Bahamas and Botswana are looking to enhance cooperation between the two nations in terms of tourism, agriculture, health, finance, environment and education, according to the OPM.

“As we strive to solidify The Bahamas’ presence on the global stage, fostering strong ties with African countries like Botswana is essential,” Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said.

“This visit provides an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our relationship and explore areas for mutual benefit and growth.”

The President of Botswana, Masisi will visit The Bahamas on Wednesday, “laying the foundation for prospective collaborations that stand to benefit both nations”

“Meetings with counterpart ministers will be held with a view to signing a memorandum on political and technical cooperation that will ensure that institutional relationships are forged now and, in the future,” the statement said.

“As is customary during a state visit, a state reception will be held in honor of His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi.

“This visit signifies the Davis administration’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic and economic relationships with African countries to diversify the Bahamian local economy and forge closer political and cultural ties between peoples.”

“On Friday, 15th September, both leaders will depart for the Group of 77 States Summit on Science, Technology and Innovation.”

Botswana has engaged with The Bahamas in a similar manner before as well. Back in 2000, then President of Botswana, Festus Mogae had made a similar visit to The Bahamas, which gives us some idea as to the long-standing ties between the two nations.

President Masisi’s entourage will include the following Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament: Honourable Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Philda Kereng, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Honourable Fidelis Molao, Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Kgotla Autlwetse, Minister of Government and Rural Development, and Honourable Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe, Minister of Education and Skills Development, Honourable Tumisang M. Healy, MP Gaborone Central, and Honourable Dr. Never Tshabang, MP Nkange.

The officials who are a part of this visit give us a glimpse into the depth and significance of this visit. The government offices represented in this visit cover most major bases of diplomatic cooperation, speaking to the extent to with the two nations are prepared to coordinate and collaborate with each other.

For keen observers of The Bahamas, this is a great sign of the growing stature of the Caribbean nation and its diplomatic reach.

On Wednesday, 13th September, President Masisi will meet with Prime Minister Philip E Davis, for official talks and laying the foundation for prospective collaborations that are meant to benefit both nations. Meetings with counterparts will be held with the intention to sign a Memorandum on Political and Technical Cooperation that will ensure that institutional relationships are forged now and in the future. As is customary during a State Visit, a state reception will be held in honor of His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi.