Seychelles / Botswana relations |08 May 2018

President Masisi on official visit

The President of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi arrived in Seychelles last night for a one-day official visit.

It was exactly 7.35pm when the presidential jet touched down at the Seychelles International Airport. President Masisi was welcomed by Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon and the Secretary of State for Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Afif.

The Botswana president is accompanied by a high level delegation comprising four ministers - Minister for Internal Affairs, Vincent Seretse; Minister for Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Ngaka Ngaka; Minister for Basic Education Bagalatia Arone; and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism, Shekedi Khama.  The official visit is part of President Masisi’s tour of SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries.

Soon after his arrival, President Masisi and his delegation were led into the VIP lounge for a friendly discussion with Designated Minister Mondon before heading to his hotel.

This morning President Masisi will be received by President Danny Faure at State House for a presidential tête-à-tête during which they will discuss the various bilateral engagements between the two countries - in particular the proactive relationship that Seychelles and Botswana share in the field of education.

Ahead of the tête-à-tête between the two heads of State, the two sides and their respective delegations will engage in breakfast meetings to further enhance relations between Seychelles and Botswana in the context of the proposed General Cooperation Agreement.

President Masisi was sworn in as Botswana’s fifth president last month taking over from President Ian Khama, who stepped down after his term limit of 10 years - was reached. Elections are scheduled to take place next year next year.

Botswana is one of Africa's most stable democracies and has maintained a stable multiparty democratic government since independence in 1966 and is often cited as the foremost example of good governance.