Remarks by President Nathan at dinner hosted in honour of President of the Republic of Botswana

Your Excellency President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

         It is with great pleasure that I warmly welcome Your Excellency and the members of your delegation to Singapore.  I fondly recall my visit to your country in 2007, and the warm hospitality I received from then President Festus Mogae, when I had the opportunity to meet with you.

2.      Botswana and Singapore share warm and friendly ties.  While we are geographically distant, both our countries share many similarities and we are united in our aspirations of better lives for our people.  When I was in Botswana, I was impressed not only by your country's natural beauty, but also by your capable and well trained officials.  I was particularly struck by your localization programme, which sent officials to various countries for training so that they could eventually take over the running of operations such as the Orapa Mines.  I also visited the Botswana National Productivity Centre, which we had assisted to set up in 1993 and which today stands as a powerful symbol of the friendship between our two countries.

3.      Being small, export-oriented nations, both our countries have been hard hit by the current global economic crisis.  Both our countries need to seek new ways of turning our challenges into opportunities for development.  There is also a greater need at such times to forge closer relations with other nations and seek opportunities to collaborate for mutual gain.  There can be no better time than now for us to reach out to each other’s region to seek new opportunities and pave the way for greater cooperation.  Hence, I am glad to note that we have already laid the foundations for greater bilateral cooperation.

4.      For example, the Singapore Civil Service College is working with the Botswana Directorate of Public Service Management on transforming the Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce to a full-fledged Botswana Public Service College.  This is in line with the commitment of both our countries to the development of human capital.  The Singapore Business Federation is looking to work with the Botswana Export and Development Investment Authority to encourage greater trade ties.  These are excellent initiatives which I hope will deepen our bilateral collaboration.

5.      Botswana has come a long way since its early days after independence, even earning the distinction as Africa's most peaceful nation this year, according to the Global Peace Index.  The political stability and healthy economic growth which Botswana has enjoyed for many years is also a testament to the vision of its leaders and the combined efforts of its people.  While the world is facing uncertain times, Your Excellency’s enlightened and able leadership will help to steer Botswana towards greater achievements.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I invite you now to rise and join me in a toast to:
• The continued good health and success of President Khama;
• The peace, happiness and prosperity of the people of Botswana; and
• The continued friendship and close ties between Singapore and Botswana.