This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
On a three-day state visit to Kenya, Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi announced his country's support for Kenya's bid to join the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member.
During a press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, Dr Masisi emphasized the significance of Botswana's pledge, stating that it underscored the country's commitment to nurturing and strengthening its bilateral relations with Kenya.
Botswana, Dr Masisi explained, trusted Kenya with issues it wanted to bring to the attention of the United Nations due to the country's stability and readiness to engage meaningfully on matters of common interest.
Dr Masisi's visit to Kenya, which took place from July 23 to 25, 2019, was marked by warm and cordial bilateral talks with his Kenyan counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"We in Botswana remain committed to our pan-Africanist outlook," Dr Masisi said. "Given our shared values, it is only logical that we engage each other and tackle challenges besieging us, whether in the ICT space, transport, and logistics, and so on."
President Kenyatta concurred that the visit provided an opportunity for the two African nations to explore ways to strengthen their existing relations, underpinned by a long-standing historical friendship.
The engagements aimed to promote socio-economic development of the peoples of the two countries and the entire continent.
Official talks between the two heads of state resulted in the signing of agreements, including those on double taxation avoidance, bilateral air service, and a memorandum on cooperation in the ICT field.
Dr Masisi also laid a wreath at the tomb of Kenya's founding president, Jomo Kenyatta, and held deliberations with the United Nations' top brass on pertinent issues of mutual interest.
He was also planted a tree at the UN premises.
Source: BOPA, July 25, 2019.
