Botswana: The President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi has reached Paris, France for a working visit which will include his visiting two nations. The President’s visit to Europe will span five days, starting June 18 and concluding on June 22.
During the visit to Europe, the President will also visit Germany after concluding his appointments in France.
The people of Botswana have shared their disapproval with the travel plan of President Masisi. Some of the people have shared that the timing of the visit to France and Germany is somewhat wrong.
Notably, the President of Botswana will miss the inauguration of South African President elect Cyril Ramaphosa into his position after his recent re-election. The people believe that President Masisi’s absence will be felt at the south African event.
They have suggested that it was President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s duty to be present at President Ramaphosa’s inauguration. He was expected to support his African counterpart in a show of regional unity.
Some people are expressing disapproval on the increased overseas visits when the elections are approaching. Some of these residents acknowledged the merit of the trip to the two European nations. However, they suggested that the president should be more focussed on the upcoming elections in Botswana.
However, the visit to France and Germany will help President Masisi strengthen the business driven and diplomatic ties with both the nations.
The President has landed in France for the first leg of the appointments on Tuesday. He also shared some glimpses from his welcome at the Paris Airport.
The President is accompanied by Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Environment and Tourism as well as Senior Government Officials.
During his trip to France, President Mokgweetsi Masisi will participate at the launch of the Africa Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) programme. The event will be hosted on Thursday, June 20, in Paris.
The AVMA is a financing instrument that helps in the sustainable manufacturing of Vaccines in Africa. It is expected to contribute to healthy global vaccine markets with participation from all nations.
At the same time, it will help the African continent effectively build capacity to bolster pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and resilience. On the margins of the launch, the President of Botswana will also hold bilateral talks with his counterpart.
President Emmanuel Macron of France will host President Masisi to discuss issues of mutual concern for the people of the two nations.
Subsequent to the AVMA launch, President Masisi will visit Germany from 21st to 22nd June 2024, In Germany, he will participate in a number of High-Level engagements, including delivering an Address at the Botswana Business Roundtable, aimed at promoting investment opportunities in Botswana.