Opening Remarks by President Ramaphosa at the 6th Session of South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission

South Africa and Botswana have today to convened the 6th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone, marking another important milestone in the long-standing relations between the two neighbouring countries. The high-level engagement was preceded by an officials’ meetings scheduled from 17 to 19 May, followed by a Ministers’ Meeting on 20 May 2026. These engagements form part of a structured process aimed at consolidating cooperation and assessing progress on joint commitments between the two nations. The Bi-National Commission, formally established through an agreement signed in August 2012 and inaugurated in 2013, serves as a key platform for dialogue on bilateral, regional and continental matters. Through this mechanism, South Africa and Botswana regularly review cooperation and identify new opportunities to strengthen their partnership. Relations between the two countries are rooted in strong historical and fraternal ties, dating back to the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. Since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994, these relations have continued to deepen, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and broader economic cooperation. The upcoming session is expected to reaffirm the warm and cordial relations between the two nations, while advancing cooperation across a wide range of sectors. Discussions will focus on strengthening political and economic ties, enhancing collaboration through established committees, and building on shared positions on regional and global issues.