President Duma Gideon Boko has welcomed Lesotho’s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, for an official visit, hailing the bilateral relationship as “one of equals – equals in dignity, sovereign standing, and sincerity of commitment”.
Speaking at a state banquet last night, Boko highlighted the inaugural session of the Botswana‑Lesotho Bi‑National Commission, calling it “a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to deepen and transform our diplomatic relations into a more impactful and result‑oriented strategic partnership”.
The President noted progress in trade, agriculture, and security, but urged that efforts be redoubled on outstanding agreements. He singled out a tripartite water transfer project under ORASECOM, proposing it be renamed the LESABO (Lesotho‑South Africa‑Botswana) Water Transfer Project to “more accurately reflect its tripartite character and shared ownership”.
Boko also welcomed the Botswana‑Lesotho Business Forum, saying it reflects “the importance we attach to the private sector as a key engine of inclusive growth”.
“We may be small in size,” Boko concluded, “but we are not small in ambition, not small in values, and not small in what we can achieve together.”
For his part, Prime Minister Matekane said he appreciated being back in Botswana, noting that he has worked in the country for a long time. He congratulated Botswana on hosting and winning the World Athletics Relays.
