Gaborone, Nov 12 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu engaged in discussions with her Botswana counterpart Duma Gideon Boko at the President's Office in Gaborone on Wednesday, where both leaders reached a consensus to enhance bilateral collaboration in significant areas, such as trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, skill development, defence, and digital technology.

Additionally, both nations formalized an agreement aimed at ensuring the population of Botswana has access to high-quality and affordable Indian medicines.

Detailing the meeting, the President's Secretariat remarked, "President Droupadi Murmu was cordially welcomed by President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana at the President's Office in Gaborone. In their comprehensive discussions, they concurred on expanding 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 citizens of Botswana for sending their Cheetahs to India as part of the next phase of Project Cheetah. An agreement was also signed to facilitate access to quality Indian medicines for the citizens of Botswana," it further stated.

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

"As part of her two-nation African visit, President Droupadi Murmu landed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone, Botswana. This event marks the first-ever State Visit by an Indian Head of State to Botswana. In a significant gesture symbolizing the profound friendship between India and Botswana, she was warmly greeted at the airport by H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, the President of Botswana, and received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour," noted the President's Secretariat on X.

During her stay, President Murmu will address the National Assembly of Botswana, engage with the Indian community, and visit culturally and historically significant sites. Next year, India and Botswana will also observe the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

"Botswana's Vision 2036 document highlights its aim to diversify its economy and evolve into a high-income society. This visit will allow us to understand their priorities and explore opportunities for the Indian business community to partner with their Botswana counterparts in key sectors. We are also collaborating with Botswana on the translocation of cheetahs to India as part of Project Cheetah, anticipating positive developments in this area," stated MEA's Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela prior to the President's visit.

President Murmu arrived in Gaborone after completing her State Visit to Angola, where she participated in the 50th anniversary celebrations of Angola's Independence Day, addressed the National Assembly of Angola, interacted with the Indian community, and held discussions with her Angolan counterpart Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco.