Namibia-Botswana relations must be treasured, says President Mbumba

Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT Nangolo Mbumba highlighted the importance of cherishing the relations between Namibia and Botswana, emphasising that the two countries’ relations are characterised by kinship, good neighbourliness, and mutual respect.

“It is said that ‘a good neighbour is a found treasure’. Truly, the relations between Namibia and Botswana, characterised by kinship, good-neighbourliness and mutual respect, must be treasured. In a world which is currently witnessing rising geopolitical tensions, it is indeed a breath of fresh air to enjoy the peace, unity, and respect we share with Botswana and her people,” he said.

The president made these remarks at the Official Opening of the 2024 Swakopmund International Trade Expo (SWAITEX). The expo, themed “Efficient Connectivity and Resource Beneficiation for Sustainable Growth in Africa,” featured President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana as the guest of honour. President Masisi’s participation at the expo is part of his official working visit to Namibia, which started on Tuesday, 2 July, and will conclude on Friday, 5 July.

President Mbumba further emphasised the historic ties between Namibia and Botswana, pointing out that Namibia has often turned to Botswana for assistance.

“Historically, whenever Namibians have found themselves in tight corners, they have looked East, because they say, ‘The East is where you find solutions. Don’t go West, you may find it impossible to return from there with a clear mind’,” he said.

The president expressed gratitude for Botswana’s long-standing support and assistance to Namibia. He added that the friendship between the two countries has been further strengthened in recent years through the bond between the late President Hage Geingob and President Masisi, eventually leading to the use of National Identity Cards as travel documents between Namibia and Botswana.

“Now, we have reached a modern level of cooperation which was started and strengthened by our President Dr Hage G. Geingob and President Mokgweetsi Masisi, not only at a political level but also on a personal and individual level. Many of us will recall the brotherly friendship which our esteemed guest of honour shared with our late President Dr Geingob. It was a deep and genuine friendship between two like-minded leaders,” the president added.