Bir Lehlou (Saharawi Republic) 02 October 2019 (SPS)- The President of the Saharawi Republic, Mr. Brahim Ghali, congratulated President Mokgweetsi Masisi, on the occasion of the 53rd Anniversary pf the Independence of Botswana, in a letter he sent to his Motswana counterpart on Sunday.
“On behalf of the people and government of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, and on my personal name, I would like to congratulate you dear brother and through you congratulate Batswana people and government, on the 53rd anniversary of independence proudly celebrated all over your brotherly country this September 30th” the letter reads.
The Saharawi President considered that “It is a source of pride, not only to Batswana people to celebrate this 53rd year of independence. All sons and daughters of Africa, and the Saharawi people for sure, are also proud to participate with you in these celebrations.”
On the bilateral issue, the letter expressed the gratitude of the Saharawi people “for Botswana’s strong and principled stand on the right of the people of Western Sahara to freedom, independence, peace and development.”
Botswana under the leadership of President Masis, Mr. Brahim Ghali stressed “has shown principled positions on various international issues, and keeps defending African principles and values in all forums with much appreciated strength and dedication.”
With regards to the expected general elections that will take place in Botswana this October, Brahim Ghali estimated that Botswana “will once again organise democratic, transparent and successful elections, as it has always accustomed us with,” wishing “Batswana people the best outcomes that will serve your beautiful country and allow it to prosper even more and to continue its progress in democracy, rule of law and development,” the letter reads.
Finally, President Ghali, reiterated his greetings to President Masisi and to his “fellow citizens on this occasion and look forward to enhancing and strengthening our bilateral relations over the coming year.”
It should be recalled that the two countries hold diplomatic relations since 1980, when Botswana recognised the Saharawi Republic as the legitimate government in Western Sahara.
On August 2019, the first Saharawi Ambassador presented his credentials to President Mokgweetsi Masisi, after the two countries decided to upgrade their diplomatic relations to Ambassadorial level.