On the sidelines of the meetings preceding the Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, the Minister of International Relations, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the State of Libya, H.E. Dr. Abdelhadi Al-Hwaij, ahead of the meeting of the African Union Ministerial Committee on Candidatures within the International System, chaired by Botswana.

The discussions focused on the importance of upholding the established principles and guidelines governing African candidatures for positions within the international system. The Honourable Minister reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to preserving the integrity, transparency and credibility of the African candidature process, underscoring the need for Member States to continue safeguarding the unity and collective interests of the continent.

The Ministers also explored avenues for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest to advance the socio-economic development of Botswana and Libya.

The Honourable Minister highlighted the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which outlines the Government’s priority projects aimed at accelerating economic transformation, attracting investment, creating jobs and fostering sustainable growth. He encouraged Libya to explore opportunities for collaboration under the BETP framework, noting its potential to promote investment, facilitate knowledge exchange and deliver shared prosperity for the peoples of both countries.

The Honourable Minister also held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, Honourable Olivier Nduhungirehe. Their discussions centred on African candidatures within the international system, with both Ministers reaffirming the importance of coordinated African positions and continued cooperation in promoting the continent’s collective interests on the global stage.