By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:The bilateral relations between Botswana and the Kingdom of eSwatini have enhanced even academic cooperation for the benefit of the citizens within the two countries, new President Duma Gideon Boko told this publication through his Spokesperson Emang Bokhutlo.

Responding to a questionnaire from this Swaziland News on Wednesday after holding a bilateral meeting with eSwatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini,the Presidential Spokesperson said, the meeting reflected on the longstanding bilateral relations between Botswana and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

In fact this publication had forwarded the questionnaire to the Office of the new President through Minister in the Presidency Moeti Caesar Mohwasa who suggested to this journalist that, the President’s comment about the bilateral meeting must be communicated through his Spokesperson.

“In today’s courtesy call,President Duma Boko of the Republic of Botswana, reflected on the longstanding bilateral relations between Botswana and the Kingdom of Eswatini.Boko recalled with fondness the historical context in which both nations, alongside Lesotho, engaged in a tripartite agreement that led to the establishment of the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland (BOLESWA).This partnership, initiated in the 1970s, serves as a significant emblem of regional cooperation and academic collaboration.The President emphasized that such initiatives have considerably strengthened the bonds between the two countries and underscored the critical importance of sustaining efforts to foster cooperation, particularly within the trade sector. Moreover, discussions during the meeting also concentrated on the future of IDM College, focusing on shared challenges and opportunities within the education sector. This courtesy call facilitated purposeful dialogue and the exploration of collaborative initiatives that honor the interests of both nations regarding IDM, thereby enhancing trust and cooperation as well as strengthening existing diplomatic ties,” said the Botswana President Spokesperson.