Zuma arrives for critical talks

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Tuesday February 28, 2012 00:00

 

Government spokesman, Jeff Ramsay said Zuma will arrive at around 11am and have a luncheon meeting with President Ian Khama.

The South African leader is expected to jet off to Namibia on Thursday.

The South African media has said Zuma's visit here will be aimed at strengthening ties with Botswana. The two heads of state will have a number of issues to attend to before Zuma flies out to Namibia. The two countries, as part of the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), are seeking to conclude the current outstanding issue of revenue sharing formula within the trade area. As the second largest economy within SACU, Botswana is of vital importance to South Africa. Furthermore there has been debate on the future reformulation of the trading bloc, with more regional countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) being considered to expand the area.

The leaders will also most likely deal with energy issues affecting the region with the regional supplier, South Africa, interested in bringing about a new era in energy supply.

Botswana, which is an emerging supplier will also need to share notes with the regional economic giant.

South Africa's Bua News reported that given their small domestic market but favourable location and superb transport and communications base, Namibia and Botswana, are regarded among the leading advocates of regional economic integration.