New dawn in Nigeria, Botswana diplomatic relations

By Isaac Aregbesola

Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama says Nigeria and Botswana have signed agreements on cultural cooperation and diplomatic relations as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations.

The Minister, after the 4th session of Nigeria-Botswana Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (BNJPCC), said Nigeria attached great importance to relations with the Republic of Botswana.

“The signing of the agreements on the JPCC signals our collective desire to promote political, economic, cultural, social, educational and scientific relations.

“It also marks a strategic cooperation and partnership to boost economic growth and creating employment opportunities thus making a contribution in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in our countries.’’

He said the outcome of the meeting confirmed the need for both countries to work together to realise the fullest potentials of their bilateral relations.

Onyeama also stressed the need for both countries to transform their cooperation to achieve sustainable inclusive economic growth.

“As members of both Commonwealth and African Union, we should consult on regular basis with a view to strategically cooperate with each other to achieve our set objectives.’’

He said that the meeting had paved the way for regular political exchanges at a higher level between Nigeria and Botswana

For her part, the Botswana Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow reiterated the need to reinforce the existing relations between the two countries and for mutual benefit.

She stressed the need to deepen political, economic, technical and social-cultural cooperation in all aspects of development in line with the principle of African Unity.

The minister called for the broadening of the scope of cooperation between the two countries to include other areas such as human resources and manpower development as well as legal and defence cooperation. (NAN)