The Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), His Excellency Mr Elias Mpedi Magosi paid a courtesy call on President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana, on 15th November 2024 at the Office of the President.
President Boko is the sixth President of the Republic of Botswana who was sworn in 8th November 2024.
During the meeting, the SADC Executive Secretary congratulated the President on the election victory and briefed the President on the work of SADC, the SADC Secretariat, and on policy aspects that are specific to Botswana as a Member State of SADC and the host of the SADC Secretariat. The Executive Secretary also briefed the President on matters of peace and security in the region, including the upcoming Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled to be held in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe on 20th November 2024.
President Boko welcomed the SADC Executive Secretary and his delegation and highlighted that the Republic of Botswana was committed to the SADC Democratic Principles, adding that “Botswana is a true Democracy, which is strong and vibrant with lessons to share with the world”.
President Boko urged the SADC Secretariat to facilitate Member States to be more engaged in leading meaningful change and reforms to position the SADC region and the continent to play an influential role in international politics for a more inclusive and more representative international order.
President Boko added that the Government of Botswana will continue to render the necessary support required to promote peace and security for the region to achieve regional integration and sustainable socio-economic development.
President Boko was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale and senior government officials, while the SADC Executive Secretary was accompanied by the Head of Communications and Public Relations Ms Barbara Lopi, the Senior Officer for Public Security Ms. Kealeboga Moruti, the Senior Officer for Project Management Support Unit Mr. Joseph Kamwenyi, and the Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary Ms Kelejwang Moichubedi from the SADC Secretariat.
