Japan, Bots Celebrates 50th Diplomatic Relations
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday July 4, 2016 16:26
The duo has enhanced their bilateral relations by both promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, further expediting the friendly and cooperative relations shared between the two countries.
“Recognising the friendliness of Botswana’s people and their strong interest in Japanese culture, as well as positive prospects for stable economic development, the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is committed to the implementation of projects for cultural promotion and economic cooperation,” Japan ambassador Masahiro Onishi said last Thursday when briefing the media.
Onishi said the embassy would double its efforts to further foster bilateral relations, as his country and Botswana move towards the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“We have five Japanese companies who are operating in Botswana and have created employment for some Batswana. One such company is Komatsu, which is known worldwide. To date, Botswana has received approximately 300 young and senior volunteers from Japan in the fields of public administration, computer technology, rural development, automobile maintenance, graphic design, judo and carpentry, among others.”
The ambassador said every year his government offers scholarships to prospective students from Botswana at postgraduate levels.
“In 2013, around 20 students who studied in Japan created an association, “Friends of Japan” so that they could exchange their experiences and work together to promote Japan in Botswana while others promoted Botswana in Japan,” he said.
Most of the celebrations will be held in Gaborone at various venues such as Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Fairgrounds, Westhood International School, Capitol cinemas, Riverwalk Mall, Ben Thema Primary School among others.