Namibia is the second home to Botswana-Masisi

By Robert Maseka

WINDHOEK, 09 APR.- Botswana’s newly inaugurated President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi  touched down at Eros airport this morning on a one-day courtesy visit to Namibia.

President Masisi was welcomed at the airport by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Corporation, Honourable Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwa.

When he arrived at State House, President Geingob congratulated the Botswana President on his new role as Head of State of the Republic of Botswana. Geingob also updated his counterpart on the Memorandum Of Understanding signed by his predecessor Ian Khama on the 28 of February on the cross-border treaty between the two countries.

The president informed his counterpart about Namibia’ commitment to deepening the cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi explained that he decided to visit Namibia first after receiving advice from his predecessor Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

“The purpose of the visit is to pay a courtesy call as my elder brother has just mentioned, and use it as an opportunity to strengthen the great relationship that exists between the two countries.”

President Masisi also touched on the desalination plant which the two countries are planning to construct in Namibia that will pump water to Botswana and will also be used by Namibia. The two countries will share the cost of the desalination plant.

Responding to a question from the media on Namibian refugees living in  Botswana, President Masisi said the government of Botswana have revoked their refugee status, and they were now considered as illegal immigrants. He said his government will follow the rules and regulations with regards to illegal immigrants and make sure that they were assisted in their repatriation back to Namibia.

The refugees living in Botswana reportedly refused to come back home as they considered Botswana as their home.

The Botswana president will leave this afternoon for Mozambique as his next country to visit after Namibia.