Congratulatory Remarks by Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe on the occasion of the 41 st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Botswana, 28 September 2007, Pretoria

Your Excellency, High Commissioner Molomo
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps
Ambassadors and High Commissioners
Excellencies
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Representatives of International Organisations
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

On this occasion, the celebration of the 41 st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Botswana, it is my honour to extend through Your Excellency, to the Government and the People of the Republic of Botswana, the warmest greetings and congratulations, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of South Africa.

Botswana ’s longstanding and committed support to the liberation struggle in South Africa has led to the establishment of deep and strong mutual bonds between the peoples of our two countries. As a close neighbour and friend our government regards Botswana as an important ally of South Africa and in the region and internationally.

Your Excellency,

The bonds between South Africa and Botswana have grown and developed and the many achievements in our cooperation have brought about tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries and played an important role in safeguarding and promoting regional peace, stability and development.

Our relationship on a bilateral level is underpinned by sound institutional arrangements and frequent meetings are held between government institutions to discuss matters of mutual concern. Also there are frequent visits by Cabinet Ministers and high-ranking officials to and from Botswana. President Mbeki paid a State Visit to Botswana 11-13 March 2003 and President Mogae reciprocated by paying a State Visit to South Africa on 25 October 2005.

Relations between the two countries include many important agreements such as Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security in 2000 in Gaborone as well as the establishment of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (the first cross-border conservation park in Southern Africa and approximately 3800 square km in size), which was officially launched on 12 May 2000 by President Thabo Mbeki and President Festus Mogae. This is a major achievement, not only for the enhancement of environmental and tourism relations between the two countries, but also as an example for other Transfrontier Parks under consideration.

Following on this success Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe is currently under negotiation to establish the Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Park. The South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is actively involved and negotiations between South Africa and Botswana have been finalised.

I am happy to also announce that the Mata-Mata borderpost, aimed at further facilitating tourism between the two countries and Namibia, will be launched on 12 October 2007 by our two Presidents.

Botswana and South Africa closely cooperate in regional institutions like SADC and SACU, as well as in continental and international forums such as the AU, NAM, Commonwealth, G77, UN etc, in addressing issues of common concern and campaigning for debt relief, poverty alleviation and improved market access.

Your Excellency,

We may recall that at independence, Botswana was one of the 20 poorest countries in the world. Today, your economic growth rate is envied across the continent and the world. Efficient exploitation of mineral resources, coupled with prudent financial policies, has enabled your country to achieve one of the most impressive growth records for the past two decades on the African continent. South Africa is proud to have such a strong partner in our region, a partner that is actively participating in the efforts to develop the region and the continent.

We note with satisfaction the growth in economic and trade relations between our two countries. South African registered companies in Botswana are also playing a role in contributing to the economy and the economic stability that Botswana enjoys under the principled leadership of President Festus Mogaemakes us, as neighbours, proud. Nevertheless, we need to ensure that we do everything possible to further expand these trade relations.

Your Excellency,

Our mutual involvement in the process of strengthening the African Union and its programme for development, NEPAD is a united position we set for ourselves as neighbours and as Africans.

We have a duty, among other things, to strengthen our economic relations by enhancing co-operation among our business people and increasing trade and investment between our countries, as well as ensuring effective implementation of current and future NEPAD projects, including in the SADC region.

With regard to the SADC region, maintaining sustainable development, pursuing multilateral relations, regional macroeconomic stability, economic integration, investment promotion and facilitation of free movement of goods and services are programmes that require our ongoing commitment. We thus look forward to your continued cooperation and support in the battle against poverty and underdevelopment in the region and through the AU institutions, on the continent.

 Your Excellency,

Please, on behalf of the South African Government and my fellow compatriots, accept our hearty congratulations to the people of Botswana for the road traversed thus far, and to wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

I thank you