Gaborone, Nov 13 (NationPress) In a significant development for the India-Botswana wildlife conservation collaboration, President Droupadi Murmu and President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana observed the release of cheetahs captured from the Ghanzi region into the quarantine facility at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in southern Botswana.

This event, facilitated by specialists from both countries, marked Botswana's generous gift of eight cheetahs to India as part of the next phase of Project Cheetah.

According to a post from the President's Secretariat on X, “A new chapter in the India-Botswana wildlife conservation partnership was written at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, where captured cheetahs from Botswana's Ghanzi region were released into the quarantine facility by experts from India and Botswana. This event symbolized Botswana’s gifting of eight cheetahs to India under the next phase of Project Cheetah.”

On the previous day, President Murmu engaged in discussions with President Boko at the President's Office in Gaborone, where both leaders agreed on enhancing bilateral ties in crucial sectors such as trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology.

The two nations also formalized an agreement to ensure that the people of Botswana have easy access to quality and affordable Indian medicines.

In sharing insights from their meeting, the President's Secretariat noted, “President Droupadi Murmu was warmly welcomed by President Duma Gideon Boko at the President's Office, Gaborone. In their extensive discussions, both leaders resolved to enhance cooperation in vital sectors including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology.”

“The President expressed gratitude to President Boko and the people of Botswana for sending their cheetahs to India as part of the next phase of Project Cheetah. An agreement facilitating easy access to good-quality and affordable Indian medicines for the citizens of Botswana was also signed during this occasion,” it added.

During the discussions, President Duma Gideon Boko praised India as the “mother of democracy,” asserting that New Delhi has consistently been a source of inspiration and support in the development journey of the African nation.

President Murmu arrived in Botswana late Tuesday for a State Visit, marking the final leg of her two-nation tour in Africa. President Boko warmly welcomed the Indian leader at the airport, where she received a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour.