Kenya-Botswana in UNSC seat deal, countries sign new agreements to boost cooperation

Botswana is providing its support in favour of Kenya's seat in the United Nations Secretary Council when a position becomes vacant in later 2019. In a recent visit to Kenya's capital, Nairobi, Botswana's President, Mokgweetsi Masisi vowed that his country would support Kenya on the basis of trust and in return Gabarone expected support from Nairobi in other international bids.

Botswana's Head of State, Mokgweetsi Masisi had a four-hour meeting with Kenya's President, Uhuru Kenyatta followed by a joint press conference in Nairobi. He said that he was confident that Kenya would push for the interests of Botswana and overall Africa.

"I want to assure the President and the people of Kenya that Botswana will be voting for you. We trust you with our issues that will be brought before the UN Security Council. When our turn comes, we hope you will also support us," Mokgweetsi Masisi said.

President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta assured his Botswanan counterpart, Masisi saying that his country will return the favor when the south African country will need the same position in the United Nations Secretary Council (UNSC). There will be two seats up for grabs for Africa and for Kenya to win it must garner a two-thirds majority.

International campaigns for the powerful UNSC is going on within Africa ahead of elections in September during the 74^th session of UN General Assembly. Foreign Affairs CS Monica Juma said she was confident Kenya will get support from her peers. "We are doing well and getting support from our friends. I will be updating the country on the progress made so far next week," Monica Juma said to the Star.

On the other hand, both the presidents witnessed the signing of agreements on bilateral trade between Botswana and Kenya on air transport and non-double taxation at a State House meeting in Nairobi. According to Uhuru Kenyatta, both the countries also sought to boost cooperation in mineral exploration, tourism, agribusiness, ICT, livestock breeding and manufacturing.

"I wish to reiterate Kenya's steadfast commitment to continued cooperation with Botswana both at the bilateral and multilateral levels to further deepen our bonds of cooperation and friendship," Kenyatta said. He further assured that his country will join hand with Botswana in improving social and economic affairs of the countries.

"We have many Kenyans who are living in Botswana who have made huge investments there and also people from Botswana who are in Kenya who have invested in various sectors," he added. He also insisted the Botswanan investors set up shop in Kenya and explore the emerging trade and investment opportunities.

President Kenyatta commended the government of Botswana for the ongoing successful efforts to attract investments from Kenya, through the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, in areas such as financial services, agro-processing, animal feeds, ICT, hotels and lodges. pic.twitter.com/SfLsUwMSAe

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 24, 2019

Also Read: Kenyans will get salaries in new generation notes this month, assures CBK governor