The Ambassador of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Mr. Victor Sibilev, visited the SADC Executive Secretary, Her Excellency Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax at the SADC Secretariat Head office in Gaborone on 13th June 2018. The meeting follows the first visit of 5th September 2017.
The two parties met to strengthen existing cooperation and discussed the signing arrangements for two Memoranda of Understanding, which are guided by the common aspirations of the people of SADC and Russian Federation. The two draft Memoranda of Understanding are on Basic Principles of Relations and Cooperation; and Defence and Technical Cooperation which are envisaged to enhance cooperation and to advance political and security matters in the SADC region.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Basic Principles of Relations and Cooperation focuses on cooperation on political, industrial development, trade, economic, humanitarian, scientific, technical, social, and cultural aspects. On the other hand, the Defence and Technical Cooperation is aimed at strengthening cooperation in the defencetechnological and technical areas.
Ambassador Sibilev thanked the SADC Executive Secretary for showing commitment in enhancing relations between the two parties and underscored the importance of the Russian Federation’s support, which will upon ratification strengthen mutual relations. The SADC Executive Secretary also thanked Ambassador and the Russian Federation for demonstrating the willingness to support and co–operate with SADC in its endeavour for regional development.
The signing of the Memoranda of Understanding is expected to take place in July 2018.
