Botswana leader heralds new era of bilateral cooperation
‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – Republic of Botswana president, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, concludes his landmark four-day official working visit to Lesotho today. The visit is widely seen as a diplomatic milestone ran from July 15 to 18, cementing stronger ties between the two Southern African nations and charting a new course for strategic cooperation across multiple sectors.
Boko was accompanied by a distinguished delegation comprising Dr Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations; Omneetse Ramogapi, Minister of Water and Human Settlement as well as Dr Edwin Dikoloti, Minister of Lands and Agriculture.
Their presence signified Botswana’s deepening engagement with Lesotho on a broad spectrum of issues ranging from diplomacy and trade to land, agriculture, and sustainable development.
A key moment of the visit was the royal audience where Boko paid homage to King Letsie III at the Royal Palace on July 15. The meeting highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Basotho and Batswana and underscored the importance of regional solidarity and heritage preservation. Discussions focused on regional peace, cultural unity, and bolstering diplomatic cooperation.
On the same day, Boko paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane at the State House. The two leaders held fruitful bilateral talks centred on economic development, infrastructure enhancement, and cross-border governance.
Emphasizing mutual aspirations, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to delivering tangible outcomes through stronger bilateral frameworks. The highlight of Boko’s visit was the historic signing of a Bi-National Commission (BNC) Agreement, replacing the Joint Commission on Technical and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) of 2003.
This upgraded agreement introduces a more formalized and structured partnership at the Heads of State and Government level, reflecting a shared resolve to foster closer cooperation.
The BNC aims to institutionalize and coordinate policy, investment, and development strategies between the two nations, enhancing collaboration in vital sectors such as, water and energy, trade and investment, Agriculture and food security, natural resource management, education and training, security and defence
The commission will operate through dedicated sectoral committees, including, Politics, Defence and Security Committee handling issues like foreign affairs, police, correctional services, immigration, revenue, and justice. Economic Sector Committee, addressing trade, agriculture, tourism, minerals, finance, energy, and industrial development. Social Committee, focusing on education, health, labour, communications, arts and culture, water affairs, and disaster management.
This bilateral mechanism is designed to revive and enhance collaboration efforts that had waned under the previous framework, ensuring coordinated progress on shared developmental objectives.
The Batswana leader visited the Tikoe Industrial Area in Maseru, where he was received by Lesotho’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile.
During the tour of the factory, known for its contributions to Lesotho’s textiles and garments export sector, the President observed manufacturing operations and engaged with management on trade and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
Furthermore, President Boko visited the proposed site of the Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Project in Mafeteng. The project is envisioned to be a flagship regional initiative in transboundary water management, promising significant water security benefits for both nations. The site visit reinforced the political will and urgency behind this critical.
President Boko also participated in the 62nd birthday celebration of King Letsie III in Teyateyaneng, Berea. His attendance was warmly welcomed by Basotho and signified deep friendship and unity.
The event was not only a ceremonial gesture but a powerful expression of regional solidarity and personal diplomacy.
Foreign Affairs ministry described the visit as a turning point in bilateral relations, rooted in shared values of democracy, mutual respect, and regional development. Both countries are active members of continental and regional bodies such as the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, and the Southern African Customs Union, through which they seek broader cooperation and integration.
Boko’s official working visit, the newly established Bi-National Commission stands as a beacon of enhanced diplomatic relations. With reinforced partnerships, the two nations are poised to implement visionary policies, invest in key sectors, and pursue a joint path toward peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for their peoples.
