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Mulongoti calls for stronger economic ties with Botswana

Mulongoti calls for stronger economic ties with Botswana
By Chibaula Silwamba
Tuesday October 02, 2007 [04:00]

Botswana High Commissioner to Zambia Tuelonyana Ditlhabi Oliphant has said her country is the third best in macro-economic performance in Sub-Saharan Africa. And information and broadcasting minister Mike Mulongoti said the political relationship between Botswana and Zambia should be extended to the economic sphere.

Speaking during Botswana’s 41st National Day celebrations at her residence in Lusaka on Sunday, High Commissioner Oliphant said Botswana had continued to make remarkable progress in macroeconomic performance and other indicators.

“The country has been ranked as the third best performer in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa and Mauritius, according to the latest Africa competitiveness report of 2007,” she said.

“However, Botswana, like most countries in the region, continues to face challenges such as persistent drought and diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

These challenges pose a risk of reducing the gains which have so far been achieved in different sectors of the economy and in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

High Commissioner Oliphant urged Batswana residing in Zambia to register as voters for the Botswana national elections scheduled for 2009.

“The registration will take place from 2nd to 22 October, 2007 at the Chancery of the Botswana High Commission here in Lusaka,” High Commissioner Oliphant said.

She said Botswana’s independence was synonymous with Zambia’s gallant struggle for the liberation of southern Africa and the entire Africa.

“Botswana attained independence on September 30, 1966, two years after the independence of Zambia. Zambia was the first African country where Botswana opened its first diplomatic mission immediately after independence,” High Commissioner Oliphant said.

“These strong bonds of friendship, which are based on long historical, social and political ties, have deepened over the years. The construction of the Kazungula Bridge will greatly enhance communication between our common borders and contribute towards the promotion of commerce, trade and tourism between and among our respective countries and peoples.”

High Commissioner Oliphant commended Zambia for successfully hosting the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit and that Botswana wished Zambia success as chair of the regional grouping.

“Critical among the achievements of the summit was the affirmation of commitment by member states towards regional integration and the establishment of the SADC Free Trade Area by 2008 and the launch of the SADC Brigade,” said High Commissioner Oliphant.

And Mulongoti said Zambia was open to genuine investors from Botswana that wanted to invest or partner with locals in businesses.
Mulongoti said Botswana had been a beacon of peace and wished that country to continue enjoying peace.

Labels: BOTSWANA, MIKE MULONGOTI

posted by MrK @ 5:32 AM