Cuban Vice President concludes his visit to Botswana

source: Republic of Botswana (9/5/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 13 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C2) 8/5/09: Cuban Vice President concludes his visit to Botswana.       

The Cuban Vice President who is on a two day official visit to Botswana met with Vice President Lt. General Mompati Merafhe on the 7th May 2009 at the Office of President.

In his welcome remarks Vice President Merafhe said Mr Hernandez’s visit is a clear testimony of true relations that exist between Botswana and Cuba. His Honour Lt. General Merafhe thanked the Cuban government for assisting Botswana particularly in the fields of Health, Sports, Culture, economics and Agriculture. He explained that Botswana support the ongoing dialogue between Cuba and United States of America (USA) over their relations.

Responding to Merafhe’s welcome remarks, Vice President Hernandez thanked Botswana for the invitation and said the visit is meant to further bi-lateral relations and explore new areas of interest between the two countries. He also thanked Botswana for the generous donation she pledged during the hurricanes that hit Cuba last year.

At the luncheon hosted by His Honour Lt. Gen Merafhe, the two Vice Presidents continued their talks on issues of mutual interest. Lt. Gen Merafhe thanked Cuba for continuing to open doors of its institutions of high learning to young Batswana, he also applauded Cuba for successfully hosting the just ended Ministerial meeting of the Non Aligned Movement.

Mr. Lazo Hernandez also met Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Patrick Balopi where he was briefed on Botswana’s political system and the work of the National Assembly.

He also paid a courtesy call on His Excellency the President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama on the 8 May 2009. Vice President Hernandez and his entourage are expected to leave Botswana on the evening of 8 May 2009.