2005 Speeches

Statement of Ambassador Katherine H. Canavan

September 27, 2005

 

On the occasion of her presentation of credentials
To His Excellency, President Festus G. Mogae
Republic of Botswana

Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Botswana, Mr. Festus G. Mogae, Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Lt. Gen. Mompathi Merafhe, Chief of Protocol Molefe, and distinguished guests. I am greatly honored by this early opportunity to present to you my credentials from President Bush as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Botswana.

Mr. President, the United States and Botswana have long shared a close partnership in so many different endeavors. I am especially delighted because both our countries hold in high regard the values of democracy, good governance, and economic stability, not just in southern Africa, but also throughout the world. Thanks to our close and cordial relations, our cooperation is expanding across a broad spectrum of mutual interests.

Let me underscore how I hope to keep our relationship dynamic and strong:

• Inspired by your personal leadership in the struggle against HIV/AIDS, our Mission will continue to work together with your government on prevention, treatment and care to fight HIV/AIDS and mitigate its impact on the people of Botswana.
  
• Heartened by the enormous growth in our bilateral trade during the past two years, we remain strongly committed to continuing the expansion of foreign direct investment in Botswana and strengthening trade relations between our two countries.
  
• Your Excellency, we admire Botswana as Africa’s leading democracy. Let me assure you that the United States is committed to assisting Botswana to assure to all groups within the country, especially those in remote areas, easy access to the basic material necessities of life.
  
• Your Excellency, let me pass to you President Bush’s congratulations on your taking up the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community. As the Secretary of State’s Special Representative to SADC, I am eager to identify with you ways in which the United States might renew its close collaboration with SADC.
  
• Your Excellency, I look forward to our working together to preserve democracy and stability as well as to fight international terrorism in southern Africa, especially through our jointly-managed International Law Enforcement Academy in Otse, which I know you helped to open in 2003.
  
• Let me also extend to you our gratitude for our ongoing cooperation relating to the International Broadcasting Bureau’s Transmittal Station in Selebi-Phikwe. I invite you to visit the station.
  
• Your Excellency, we understand the fragility of Botswana’s environment and the challenges that you face in preserving it. We will keep supporting projects to enhance regional cooperation on shared resources.
  
• Last, but not least, Your Excellency, our two countries have established close military cooperation. There is no military on the continent and in much of the world better trained in peacekeeping operations than the Botswana Defence Force. We look forward to participating with Botswana in future peacekeeping endeavors.
  
• Your Excellency, on behalf of President Bush and Secretary Rice, but most of all, on behalf of the American people, I look forward to our working hand-in-hand to build on our already strong relations in advancing endeavors of mutual interest to our two countries. Thank you.