South Africa (SA) and Botswana are seeking to strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced co-operation in trade, energy and other strategic sectors.
SA Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Duma Boko wrapped up talks at the Bi-National Commission in Gaborone, as Ramaphosa concluded his two-day state visit to Botswana.
Immigration on the continent was also topical.
Ramaphosa has called for a collective continental effort to address migration challenges across Africa.
His remarks come amid recent protests in SA over undocumented immigrants.
He, however, condemns those who take the law into their own hands.
“Since the dawn of democracy in our country, we have sought to welcome and integrate immigrants from other parts of the continent and beyond our continent as well. Most people who have come have integrated into the South African society, who have experienced a high influx of immigrants”, he says.
Ramaphosa has welcomed broader dialogue on migration management. “We welcome the call for regional and continental discussion on the issue of migration. We should consider all the factors that drive migration, including the responsibilities of all our countries and countries of origin and transit as well.”
On the economic front, Ramaphosa reaffirmed SA’s openness to Botswana investments. He also commended Botswana for its vaccine manufacturing capacity in the agricultural sector.
Ramaphosa says the two countries must also strengthen energy co-operation, particularly in expanding access to electricity.
“Continued co-operation between SA and Botswana in energy is paramount if we are to meet the needs of our people and to develop our productive sectors. We must cooperate on issues of electricity access as well as the petroleum process.”
—SABC—
