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At the invitation of His Excellency Mr Festus Mogae, President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Mr Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, paid a three-day State Visit to Botswana from 11-13 March 2003.

The President of South Africa was accompanied by the Honourable Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Mr Mosiua Lekota, Minister of Defence; the Honourable Ms Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs; the Honourable Mr Jeff Radebe, Minister of Public Enterprises and Acting Minister of Transport; the Honourable Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Minister of Health; the Honourable Ms Pumzile Mlambo Nqcuka, Minister of Minerals and Energy and senior government officials.

The two Heads of State held officials talks on 11 March 2003. The discussions took place in a cordial atmosphere. The two Heads of State reviewed the bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations existing between Botswana and South Africa and reaffirmed their determination to strengthen regular contact at all levels.

The two leaders acknowledged that the Botswana-South Africa Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, which was established three years ago, has already contributed immensely to effort to strengthen efforts in those fields. They welcomed the conclusion of the Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission for Co-Operation between Botswana and South Africa.

They noted that the Joint Commission would strengthen the bonds of friendship and co-operation between the two countries. The two leaders noted that the Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation would facilitate increased interaction between the various structures of their governments.

President Mogae expressed the appreciation of the Government and people of Botswana for the continued support rendered by South Africa to Botswana, particularly in the areas of human resource development and training in general. In this regard, he welcomed South Africa's gesture of opening its institutions of Higher Learning to Batswana students.

President Mbeki expressed the gratitude of the Government of South Africa to the Government of Botswana for the role Botswana played in the liberation struggle against apartheid and the unequivocal support of the people of Botswana gave to the people of South Africa during those difficult days.

President Mbeki applauded Botswana for its achievements and the contribution it has made in upholding the principles of democracy, good governance, and economic development on the African continent.

President Mbeki emphasised that Botswana is a living example of what Africa can achieve on these principles. He stated that the world should be made aware that Africa can have role models such as Botswana, that we can all be proud of.

The two leaders also discussed the threat posed by the food and mouth disease in the region and agreed that a regional and multifaceted solution must be found to address this problem.

The Heads of State welcomed the new SACU agreement and expressed the hope that it will proof to be a better instrument for trade co-operation than its predecessor is. They also welcomed the ongoing restructuring of the SADC to enhance regional integration, which is the chosen strategy for the socio-economic development of the region.

They reaffirmed their commitment to the NEPAD process, which is the programme for the realisation of the goals and objectives of the AU.

The two Heads of State exchanged views on the situation prevailing in the region; in particular, they welcomed the consolidation of peace, the rule of law and democratic governance in the Republic of Angola. They hailed the signing of the draft interim constitution and a Memorandum on Military and Security measures by the parties to the Inter-Congolese Dialogue and expressed the hope that the agreement will pave the way for peace and stability in that country.

They noted that the improvement in the military and political situation in the two countries would usher in a new era of economic development and prosperity in the region.

With regard to Zimbabwe the two leaders expressed the need to work together, to assist the people of Zimbabwe in addressing the problems confronting their country.

During his stay in Botswana, President Mbeki also addressed the National Assembly and met the former President, Sir Keitumile Masire. He visited the Orapa mine, the Moremi/Xakanaxa game reserve and the village of Maun where he addressed a Kgotla meeting.

His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki thanked His Excellency President Festus Mogae, the government and people of Botswana for the friendly and warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during their stay in Botswana.

President Mbeki extended an invitation to President Mogae to pay a state visit to South Africa at an appropriate date.

Done at Gaborone, Botswana, on this 13th Day of March 2003.

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

13 March 2003