By Pemphero Malimba:
President Duma Boko of Botswana says there is a need for African presidents and citizens to have a shared vision in transforming the continent.
Boko said this yesterday during a joint press briefing with President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace marking the end of Boko’s three-day state visit to Malawi.
He said African leaders and citizens need to share a vision that brings hope to their countries.
“We must see ourselves in each other through a shared vision. Vision tells a story about the past and the future and we speak to generations present and those in the past and those to come, and through that vision Africa must rise and Africa leads the whole world,” he said.
- Advertisement -
The Botswana leader added that partnerships such as two memoranda of understanding which Malawi and Botswana have signed on trade and aquaculture will go a long way in addressing the high levels of poverty and unemployment which people in many African countries are facing.
“As custodians of our vision, we must continue to lay the building blocks piece by interlocking piece and build towards the future of Africa.
“We are in the process of doing that; the memoranda of understanding we have reviewed stand as abiding testament to the efforts and commitment to action,” he said.
Boko also touted the bilateral relations that exist between Malawi and Botswana dating back to 1966.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
On his part, Chakwera said although Malawians have faced various challenges including the Covid pandemic, various cyclones and El Niño conditions during his presidency, they have remained strong and united.
“We are still standing as a nation. We are still united. And we are still hopeful,” he said.
He also commended Boko for his visit, saying it is a testament to the good relationship between Malawi and Botswana.
“It has been an immense pleasure getting to know you and working with you to strengthen the bilateral relations between our two nations, which have culminated in the signing of memoranda of understanding to facilitate the cooperation of our governments in multiple areas, especially trade,” Chakwera said.
Boko, who became Botswana’s President after beating incumbent Mokgweetsi Masisi during last year’s election, arrived in the country through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on Saturday.
He held bilateral talks with Chakwera which culminated in the signing of two memoranda of understanding on trade and aquaculture between the two countries.
He also graced this year’s Independence Day celebrations held at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
