Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe welcomed the Ambassador of Turkey to Botswana, His Excellency Ahmed Idem Akay, during a courtesy call focused on reinforcing diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
The meeting marked the Ambassador’s first formal engagement with the new administration following Botswana’s recent elections. Ambassador Akay congratulated the Vice President on the government’s mandate and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to a strong and balanced partnership with Botswana.
Turkey’s diplomatic presence in Botswana began with the establishment of its embassy in Gaborone in 2014. Since then, bilateral cooperation has expanded across several sectors.
Ambassador Akay highlighted current joint initiatives including agricultural training programs, scholarships for Batswana students, and efforts to increase trade between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and shared growth in sustaining these collaborations.
Vice President Gaolathe thanked Turkey for its continued support and pointed to the pending Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) as a critical instrument for enhancing economic engagement. He noted that finalizing the DTA would pave the way for greater Turkish investment in key sectors of Botswana’s economy.
Both leaders agreed to accelerate existing projects and explore new areas of cooperation that align with Botswana’s development goals. The meeting reinforced a shared vision for strategic partnerships that deliver practical outcomes for citizens of both countries.
