Daniel Kwelagobe says Batswana are "happy that the US Peace Corps volunteers are back, albeit with a special mission to help Botswana halt the raging HIV/AIDS pandemic"
Botswana appreciate US commitment in fighting against HIV/AIDS
09 July, 2004
GABORONE - The Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration says the commitment of the United States to assist Botswana in the fight against HIV/AIDS is highly appreciated.
Daniel Kwelagobe said on Thursday, during an occasion to mark the 228th anniversary of the independence of the US last Sunday, that the collaboration between the two countries is extensive.
The collaboration, he said, covers testing campaigns, clinical research, infrastructure development, providing drugs, financial assistance and many others.
"We are pleased that the US is prepared to continue and even expand its involvement in this area. " Batswana, he said, are also "happy that the US Peace Corps volunteers are back, albeit with a special mission to help Botswana halt the raging HIV/AIDS pandemic".
Kwelagobe said Botswana was appreciative of the numerous opportunities offered by the US to participate in various international conferences aimed at addressing some of the challenges facing the African continent.
He said at the US-Africa summit several African countries including Botswana spent a few days promoting business opportunities.
Kwelagobe also paid a special tribute to the sterling performance made by Ambassador Joseph Huggins in championing the "know your status campaign", as well as the promotion of Botswana's economic diversification endeavours.
"It is largely through Ambassador Huggins' own personal efforts that Botswana has made tremendous strides in utilising the dispensation under the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA)." The government also welcomes the news that the US Senate has passed the AGOA III Bill. "We also applaud the securing of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) guarantee funds which, I believe, will enable a massive project with the potential to create more jobs for our people." Botswana, he said, is equally grateful for the publicity it has received from two US major television networks in the promotion of tourism.
Kwelagobe said though the US founded in 1776 is a society guided by the ideals of justice, liberty and equality," the journey towards the realisation of your country's vision has been daunting and sometimes tortuous, your people must be congratulated for surpassing most in the modern world, in moving their country closer to its vision." BOPA
