Washington DC, 29 July 2022 (TDI): The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken spoke to the President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi.
The discussion was made in order to talk about the mutual commitments and interests of the United States and the Republic of Botswana.
US Spokesperson, Ned Price shared the news on Twitter. He stressed that the mutual interests for democracy, security of food, and cooperation had been the topic of discussion.
.@SecBlinken spoke with @OfficialMasisi to discuss our shared commitment to democracy and food security and cooperation. Botswana plays a critical role in the southern African region & we will continue to collaborate on our shared commitment to democracy. https://t.co/Wq95ClZMjk
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) July 28, 2022
Botswana is one of the important countries in the South African region. Therefore, the US will keep working with the country to uphold its mutual commitment to democracy, he said.
During the discussion, the two sides stressed the value provided by ongoing cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, the shared commitment to democracy was put into the main focus as it will serve the interests of both Nations.
Moreover, the priorities for the world and the region were also pondered upon, during the call between the US Secretary of State and the President of Botswana.
These priorities included cooperation in the industry of health as well as security for food for both countries. Adding to that, Antony Blinken also appreciated and highlighted the crucial contribution of Botswana in the South African region.
Botswana’s contribution to South African Region
Botswana has contributed significantly to the region. Throughout the Southern African liberation struggles, it was a reputable Front Line State.
Also, it was a major proponent and the group that created the Southern African Development Coordinating Conference (SADC) in 1980.
SADC is headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana. The main purpose of SADC is to enhance socio-economic integration as well as cooperation in the region.
It is pertinent to note that Botswana, Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, United Republic of Tanzania are the founding members of SADC.
