His Excellency Mr. Gershon Kedar, who is non-resident Ambassador to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, the SADC Executive Secretary on 4th August 2017 to discuss possible areas of cooperation between Israel and the SADC Region.
The Israeli Ambassador highlighted that the Government of Israel has taken a policy decision to expand its foot print in Africa and enhance its relationship with the continent. He highlighted a number of areas where Israel has collaborated with SADC Countries and emphasized the need for continued cooperation. The Ambassador invited SADC to participate in the Africa-Israel Summit that will take place in Lome, Republic of Togo in October, 2017 that aims to bring together the leaders of the trade, security and diplomatic sectors of Africa and Israel to meet, network and forge collaborations.
Her Excellency Dr. Tax welcomed the Ambassador to SADC. She commended the Government of Israel for deciding to revamp its cooperation with SADC and Africa. She noted that SADC countries and Israel have a historical relationship dating back to 60s in which Israel initiated several development projects. She underscored that SADC was happy to cooperate with the Government of Israel in areas aligned to SADC Priority areas of industrialization and market integration; infrastructure development; peace and security and in programmes of regional integration importance.
The two Parties agreed to begin with capacity building and training in the areas of water, agriculture and renewable energy including in training tailored for the SADC region.
The Ambassador was accompanied by the Israel Honorary Consul in Botswana, Mr. Richard Lyons.
