Source: U.S. Department of State |

Botswana National Day

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, September 30, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ --

Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
September 30, 2015


On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Botswana on the 49th anniversary of your independence on September 30.

Botswana is one of the United States’ strongest, most reliable and valued partners in Africa. The partnership between our nations is grounded in mutual respect and responsibility.

The United States applauds Botswana’s proud tradition of peace and your commitment to a democratic future that respects individual freedoms and responsible governance.

The United States’ current engagement with Botswana, across a wide range of issues, underscores our mutual commitment to supporting democracy, human rights, youth empowerment including through the Washington Mandela Fellowship, the fight against HIV/AIDS through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, promoting economic growth, and conservation and environmental issues, including ending wildlife trafficking and protecting the Okavango Delta.

Botswana has consistently been a source of hope for others, and an example of what is possible in Africa.

The people of the United States send warmest wishes to the citizens of Botswana on your national day.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Department of State.