Cooperation potential RI-Botswana, diamond producer in Africa

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – The potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Botswana has not been fully explored. However, both countries are eager to improve it. Botswana's president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, expressed admiration for the economy and the dynamics of democracy in Indonesia.

Botswana, a diamond producing country in Africa and its economy is based on tourism and livestock. President Masisi considers Indonesia as capable of maintaining economic growth above five percent in an uncertain global situation

The Masisi president also admitted to being very impressed by Indonesia, mostly Muslim but maintaining pluralism and democratic dynamics.

The statement was made by President Mokgweetsi Masisi when receiving the credentials of the Indonesian Ambbadador, Salman Al Farisi, to Gabarone's presidential office in Botswana.

"The president of Masisi hopes that Indonesia can play an active role in Botswana's efforts to strengthen sustainable development," Ambbadador Salman said.

The president said the challenge his country faces today is to tackle unemployment, especially youth unemployment and economic diversification.

To the President of Botswana, Ambbadador Salman has declared himself ready to collaborate with the Botswana Government. cooperation in all areas, including improving the performance of economic diplomacy.

Ambbadador Salman also affirmed President Joko Widodo's commitment to continue to strengthen more productive bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Botswana.

Currently, trade relations between the two countries are still far from adequate.

Botswana is a transit country for trade flows to other African countries, such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to Central Africa rich in natural resources and various agricultural products.

The construction of economic infrastructure is therefore of great concern to the Government of Botswana.

Ambbadador Salman added that Indonesia had experience and capabilities in infrastructure development, including dry ports, airports and Botswana power plants.

Ambbadador Salman, who is also Indonesia's ambbadador to South Africa, said that the Indonesian government has organized the Dialogue on Infrastructure in Indonesia in 2019 and that it expects Botswana to participate

] Okavango Delta, Botswana

Earlier, Ambbadador Salman also met the Minister of Presidency Affairs, Nonovo Molefhi, who acted as Foreign Minister of Botswana.

Molefhi said that it would facilitate the steps that representatives of the Republic of Indonesia would coordinate with various parties in Botswana to encourage economic diplomacy, particularly in infrastructure, trade and infrastructure projects. manufacturing.

The country also held meetings with the business community and Botswana businessmen to promote economic and trade diplomacy, as well as meetings with Indonesians in Botswana

including President Botswana ( BB), Gobusamang Keebine and the CEO of BB Norman Molele. held a business meeting with about 25 Botswana businessmen.

Ambbadador Salman expressed his hopes and efforts to intensify trade and investment cooperation between RI-Botswana and open opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, such as the development of the continental port dry port .

Ambbadador Salman also invited Botswana entrepreneurs to participate in the 33rd Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) exhibition in Jakarta from October 22 to 24, 2018. Many Botswana businessmen have expressed interest in TEI 2018 and explore partnership opportunities.

On July 13, 2018, Ambbadador Salman continued his activities by meeting and discussing with the Indonesian community in Botswana, as well as with Darmasiswa specialists from Botswana who will study the language, arts and Indonesian culture. (nat)