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New Delhi : The Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu has said that Botswana have announced their decision to join the International Solar Alliance. He was holding delegation level talks with his Botswana counterpart, the Vice President and the Acting President of Botswana Slumber Tsogwane at the Office of the President of Botswana at Gaborone, Botswana, on November 1, 2018. Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The two Vice Presidents had a one-on-one meeting which was followed by delegation level talks. The Vice President of Botswana Slumber Tsogwane warmly recalled India’s contribution to the freedom struggle of many Southern African Nations including Botswana.

Both the leaders referred to the close defence cooperation between the two countries particularly between 1978 till 2012 when Indian Army and Air Force training team were stationed in Botswana. The Vice President conveyed India’s willingness to bear most of the expenditure including salaries in order to continue the support to Botswana’s defence forces.

Botswana appreciated the assistance being given by India in capacity building particularly under ITEC. The Vice President expressed willingness to enhance the ITEC slots to more than the 140 slots that India is currently extending to Botswana. Naidu responded positively to the Government of Botswana’s request to impart Diplomatic training to Botswana’s Junior Diplomats. It was suggested to the Government of Botswana that RITES, a premier Government of India Undertaking, currently implementing a number of projects would be interested to participate in extension of two of Botswana’s existing Railway lines.

Botswana also announced their decision to join the International Solar Alliance. This is a very significant development and was welcomed by Indian side. India also expressed happiness over Botswana’s continuous support in multilateral fora reflecting the enduring spirit of friendship between two countries. Both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as a global menace, according to a PIB release.

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