Botswana, Ethiopia: Ambassador Designate Muktar Kedir Abdu (PhD) presented his Letters of Credence to Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi today. In welcoming him to the role, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi applauded him for his enormous experience in public service and for being a political leader in his home country, Ethiopia.
The President used the occasion to encourage Ambassador Abdu to ensure that he delivered on the mandate that he was assigned to carry out and to further advocate for strengthened collaboration between the two countries in respect of the beef industry.
The President also admired Ethiopia’s achievement as one of the world’s fastest growing economies while congratulating the Government of Ethiopia on its steadfast commitment to political stability and sustained economic growth.
Dr Masisi acknowledged the role Ethiopia played in the education sector when it helped Botswana. The two countries have bilateral relations in the areas of education and training.
The President further noted Ethiopia’s vibrant leather sector, which Botswana could use as a yardstick to establish and boost its own leather manufacturing capacities and explore business prospects in the leather production value chain.
The President highlighted that Botswana is keen on developing its flower industry and is looking to Ethiopia for assistance.
For his part, Ambassador Abdu said he is grateful for Botswana’s political leadership, which allowed democracy to prevail as well as multiple party democracy.
He said the two countries’ diplomatic relations date way back, noting that Ethiopia believes in the spirit of Pan Africanism and that solidarity is very important in achieving peace.
In addition, he stated that Ethiopia is keen on solving the conflict in its Northern district following the signed agreement in South Africa. He said Ethiopia looks to Botswana’s model of democracy, which moved it from a poverty stricken country to a middle income one.