Gaborone, 28 June 2019 - The President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, hosted the President of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Mr. Paul Kagame, who was on his first State Visit to Botswana, from 27 – 28 June 2019. President Kagame was accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Dr. Richard Sezibera; Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Honourable Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana; and Senior Government Officials.

During the Visit, the two leaders held Official Talks, in which they had substantive and fruitful discussions on issues of mutual interest and concern at bilateral, regional and international levels. They expressed satisfaction at the bonds of friendship, solidarity and cordial relations that exist between their two countries. They also expressed their desire and commitment to work closely together with a view to further deepen and enhance these relations.

In that regard, the Presidents agreed that the two countries should conclude a General Framework Agreement. The Agreement was signed during the Visit. It covers cooperation in all the critical areas, including governance and public administration, trade and investment, environment and tourism, health, agriculture, youth and sport development, cultural exchanges, defence, justice and security. Most importantly, the Agreement establishes a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between the two countries. The JPCC provides a platform for continuous and strategic engagements between the two countries. It will also serve as mechanism for implementing agreed commitments and exploring ways and means to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in all sectors of human development.

On continental and international issues, the two leaders exchanged views on political and security developments and expressed satisfaction that, generally, conditions of peace and stability continue to prevail on the continent. However, they expressed concern at the continued conflicts in some of the African countries, such as Sudan, Libya, South Sudan, Somalia, as well as the Sahel region, which continue to threaten peace and security; economic development and prosperity in the continent. They hailed efforts by the African Union and the international community to resolve these conflicts.

The two Presidents expressed their countries’ commitment to the virtues of the African Union, and in particular, the implementation of the Agenda 2063 and its Action Plan. They also welcomed the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), which will be officially launched on 7th July 2019, in Niamey, Niger. They underscored and appreciated the fact that the AfCFTA will serve to facilitate trade and business within the Continent, and thus contribute towards transforming Africa’s future development.

During his stay, President Kagame visited and toured the Botswana Police College and the International Law Enforcement Academy in Otse, to appreciate the facilities and programs offered by the two institutes.

At the end of the Visit, President Kagame expressed gratitude to President Masisi and the Government and people of the Republic of Botswana for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during their stay in Botswana.

End.