Botswana wants to beef up cooperation with Vietnam: President

Botswana always considers Vietnam a close friend and wants to further develop its friendship and cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation, especially in agriculture, health care, tourism, mining, and information-technology, President Mokgweeti Eric Keabetswe Masisi said.

Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa and Botswana Hoang Van Loi at a working session with representatives from Business Botswana

President Mokgweeti Masisi made the statement at a reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa and Botswana Hoang Van Loi after the latter presented his credentials on October 19.

Loi conveyed greetings and invitations of Vietnamese leaders to President Mokgweeti Masisi to visit Vietnam after the COVID-19 pandemic is put under control.

In reply, the President said he will arrange the visit at a convenient time.

The ambassador affirmed that Vietnam always wants to promote the friendship and cooperation with African friends, including Botswana.

Earlier the same day, Loi presented a copy of his credentials and paid a courtesy visit to Botswana Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Lemogang Kwape who suggested the two countries increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially the high-level ones, and further provide mutual support at multilateral forums, firstly the United Nations.

Botswana and Vietnam should promote negotiations to soon reach cooperation documents necessary to their sustainable bilateral ties, he said, adding that to increase two-way trade, Botswana will consider opening doors for some Vietnamese goods like agricultural products, consumption goods, apparels and electronics.

He also suggested Vietnam increase imports of minerals that Botswana has large reserves and competitive prices.

On this occasion, Loi had working sessions with leaders of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and Business Botswana to seek specific measures to connect and assist businesses of the two countries in the time ahead./.

VNA