>Ambassador of the United States of America to Botswana, Your Excellency, Mr. Howard Van Vranken

>Honourable Ministers here present;

>Honourable Members of Parliament here present;

>>Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Your Excellency, Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro;

>Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

>Your Worship, the Mayor of Gaborone, Hon. Oarabile Motlaleng;

>Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;

Good afternoon to you all!

It is both an honour and a privilege for me to join you this evening as we commemorate the 250th Independence Anniversary of the United States of America, a remarkable milestone in the history of a nation whose ideals of liberty, democracy, opportunity, and human dignity, have shaped global discourse and inspired generations across the world.

At the outset, allow me, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Botswana, to extend our warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the United States on this historic national celebration.

This occasion is not only a reflection on the American people's historic journey towards Independence and nationhood, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring principles that continue to underpin international cooperation today, including respect for fundamental freedoms, democratic governance, scientific advancement, and partnership among nations.

Your Excellency, Botswana attaches great value to the longstanding and mutually beneficial relations that exist between our two countries. Over the years, Botswana and the United States have built a partnership that has expanded across several areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, health cooperation, education, security, cultural exchange, and people-to-people relations. We remain grateful for this spirit of friendship and collaboration that has defined Botswana–United States relations.

As the global landscape continues to evolve, our partnership is also evolving. We welcome the growing momentum generated through the U.S.–Africa Summit framework, which seeks to strengthen economic cooperation, mobilise investment, expand trade, advance digital transformation, and promote inclusive sustainable development.

These priorities resonate strongly with Botswana’s own aspirations under Vision 2036 and our national economic transformation agenda. As we seek to diversify our economy, create jobs, and build a knowledge-driven future, we see significant opportunities for deeper collaboration with American institutions and businesses.

In particular, Botswana looks forward to expanding cooperation in strategic sectors such as critical minerals and value addition, renewable energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, education, and innovation-led enterprise development. These sectors offer immense potential to generate shared prosperity while contributing to regional and global economic resilience.

I am particularly encouraged by Botswana's growing engagement with leading American technology and space-sector companies, including SpaceX. Such partnerships reflect the transformative possibilities that emerge when innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic vision converge. They also underscore Botswana’s commitment to harnessing technology as a catalyst for connectivity, economic competitiveness, and sustainable development.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of constructive international partnerships cannot be overstated. As the global community faces complex challenges, including climate change, economic uncertainty, conflicts, and public health threats, nations must continue to work together in the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Botswana remains unwavering in its commitment to a rules-based international order grounded in international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the sovereign equality of all states. We are convinced that dialogue, principled diplomacy, and mutual respect, remain the most effective pathways to lasting peace, collective security, and meaningful international cooperation. The enduring friendship between Botswana and the United States exemplifies the strength of partnerships built on shared values and mutual trust, and demonstrates the transformative outcomes that can be achieved when nations unite in pursuit of common aspirations and global progress.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, we do so not only in recognition of the past, but also with confidence in the future of our partnership.

May this relationship continue to flourish and adapt to the opportunities of a rapidly changing world, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples and contributing to a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable international community.

Your Excellency, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

With these few remarks, may I invite you to join me in a toast;

• To the continued good health of His Excellency Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America;

• To the enduring friendship, strategic partnership, and fruitful cooperation between the Republic of Botswana and the United States of America; and

• To international peace, security, and shared prosperity for all nations.

I thank you for your attention.

PULA!

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