Mr Skelemani said the assistance that Botswana continues to receive under the SADC/UK and the ACP/EU cooperation frameworks remains critical in continuously helping Batswana meet their potential in the areas of regional integration, trade, combating HIV/AIDS, poverty eradication as well as human resource development.
He said Botswana also continues to enjoy funding of various projects through the British High Commission in Botswana, which contributes significantly to the improvement of lives in the rural communities through projects such as Motse wa Badiri, Somarelang Tikologo and Kgetsi ya Tsie, among others.
Mr Skelemani also assured the mostly British gathering that Botswana remains committed to further strengthen the fraternal bonds of friendship by exploring various avenues and means for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.
For her part, the British High Commissioner to Botswana, Ms Jennifer Anderson hailed the event as underlining the close ties between the British royal family and the commonwealth countries.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Princess Anne, who earlier paid a courtesy call on President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama before proceeding to lay a wreath outside the National Assembly to commemorate Batswana who fought alongside the British army during the Second World War.
Princess Anne has made two previous visits to Botswana, which country has also hosted Queen Elizabeth II several times. The latter's first visit was in 1947.