Working Dinner Between Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi and Botswana’s Vice President Gaolathe

On November 27, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a working dinner lasting approximately 80 minutes with H.H. Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Botswana, who is visiting Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Opening Exchange

Minister MOTEGI welcomed Vice President and Minister of Finance Gaolathe on his second visit to Japan this year and conveyed his intention to advance bilateral ties ahead of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Botswana next year. Vice President and Minister of Finance Gaolathe thanked Japan for its hospitality during the visit and conveyed his anticipation for continued development of bilateral relations.

Bilateral Cooperation

Minister MOTEGI expressed his wish to use the visit as an opportunity to follow up on outcomes from TICAD 9. He added that Japan aims to support Botswana’s efforts toward economic diversification and promote investment by Japanese companies. Vice President and Minister of Finance Gaolathe expressed appreciation for Japan’s past support and noted his expectations for cooperation across various fields, including economic diversification. Both sides agreed to advance cooperation to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Regional and International Issues

During the meeting, both sides discussed several regional and international matters, including the situation in East Asia, their respective policies toward North Korea related to nuclear and missile concerns, the abductions issue, and topics concerning nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. They affirmed that they would continue working together on these issues.