Angolan president João Lourenço on Saturday expressed his country’s interest to continue working in a coordinated manner with Botswana to broaden and deepen cooperation between the two nations for the accomplishment of bilateral projects and at the level of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
In a message sent to his counterpart and to the people of Botswana, as part of the celebration of the 57th anniversary of Botswana’s national independence, to which ANGOP had access, the Angolan statesman highlighted Botswana’s contribution to the development of the Southern African region.
“I am pleased to note, on this memorable date, Botswana’s important contribution to the development of our region and the role that your people have played, under the leadership of your Excellency, in consolidating Botswana’s development process and the exemplary democracy that exists in your country,” reads the message.
Early in July during a state visit the Angolan president paid to Botswana, the Angolan statesman said at the time that his country would rely on Botswana’s experience in the production, processing and marketing of diamonds.
At a joint press conference between the two heads of state, João Lourenço highlighted the reforms Botswana implemented in the diamond sector.
Botswana president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, on his turn, highlighted the fact that President João Lourenço’s state visit took place at a time when Angola is gearing up to host the coming SADC ordinary summit and to take over the presidency of this regional organization.
During the visit, the two countries decided to institutionalize regular meetings for the revitalization of bilateral cooperation under monitoring and implementation of the commitments made and to hold regular political-diplomatic consultations and bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The two countries also agreed to speed up negotiations on pending agreements and memoranda of understanding, including the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (ABSA), to allow a direct air connection between Luanda and Gaborone, to strengthen cooperation and to exploit comparative and competitive advantages in the political-diplomatic areas, such as, oil and oil by-products, energy and water, agriculture and livestock, diamond, tourism and environment sectors.
Bilateral cooperation
Angola and Botswana established diplomatic relations on February 18, 1976.
In February 2006, the two countries signed a General Cooperation Agreement.
Angola and Botswana prioritize cooperation in the diamond sector, education, health and environment.
Botswana is a large diamond producer worldwide and Angola is seeking the experience of this SADC country in mining and cutting diamonds.
Botswana’s diamond production currently accounts for around 60 percent of its exports.
On average, 26 million carats were produced per year between 2002 and 2016, making Botswana the world’s second largest diamond producer, behind Russia.
Another important source of income for Botswana is ecotourism. The country has the highest concentration of elephants in the world (over 50,000).
Botswana covers 581,000 square kilometers, 17 percent of which is reserved for national parks. It also has immense virgin savannahs.
Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It is bordered to the north by Zambia, to the east by Zimbabwe, to the south by South Africa and to the west and northwest by Namibia.
Regional integration
Angola and Botswana are members of the Southern African Development Community.
The two countries are part of the Okavango/Zambezi project, which includes Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia, covering a total of 278,000 square kilometers.
The Okavango Basin is a region rich in biodiversity, with more than 400 species of birds, mammals and other animals typical of African fauna.
Angola has the second largest portion of the project, with 87,000 square kilometers, behind Zambia, with 97,000 square kilometers of land
Source: Angola Press News Agency