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| Lesotho admires Mogae's leadership
20 April, 2004 | |
GABORONE - President Festus Mogae returned home from Lesotho on Saturday after a three-day state visit to the mountain kingdom. The highlight of the visit was when Mogae was bestowed with Lesotho's highest honour, "The Knight Commander of the Most Courteous Order of Lesotho". King Letsie III said during a state banquet that the honour was in recognition of Mogae's leadership in promoting, peace, tolerance and good governance. Mogae accepted the honour of behalf of Batswana and said he was humbled by the honour he described as "magnificent and extraordinary". The president also addressed the Lesotho parliament and said he was happy that Botswana's modest efforts had contributed to the restoration and consolidation of peace and the rule of law, which are essential for socio-economic development. At the invitation of Lesotho and under the auspices SADC in 1998, Botswana and South Africa, sent troops to the kingdom to restore order after riots erupted following disputed poll results. Mogae said he was pleased that Lesotho parliament now embodied deep-seated democratic aspirations of a proud and progressive people. Botswana also donated P50 000 to HIV/AIDS support groups in Lesotho. Mogae described the groups, during an interaction, as genuine volunteers who have taken action against the predicament they are faced with. During separate discussions behind closed doors with the king and Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, a number of issues including co-operation in trade and security were raised. Botswana and Lesotho also signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement. The agreement is aimed at identifying areas for financing as well as exchanging experts in diverse fields such as education, culture, health and others. Foreign affairs and international cooperation minister Mompati Merafhe signed for Botswana while his counterpart, Mohlabi Tsekoa, signed for Lesotho. At the royal village of Matsieng, Mogae was presented with three cows, a young bull and a horse in appreciation of his visit. In response, Mogae thanked the royal family for the gesture, saying he was overwhelmed by their generosity. Mogae toured the Katse Dam, which is part of a billion dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project to supply water to South Africa and generate power for Lesotho. However, Mogae said during a news conference that it would be costly and difficult to import water and hydroelectric power from the project. BOPA |
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News Source: All local news stories were supplied by the Botswana Press Agency (BOPA) |