President Jacob Zuma will undertake a working visit to participate in and co-chair the 4th Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone, Botswana.

According to a Presidency statement, the BNC will be held on Friday, preceded by a senior officials meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 14-15, and a ministerial meeting on Thursday, November 16, respectively.

South Africa and Botswana meet annually at the level of the Heads of State within the framework of the BNC to review bilateral cooperation and discuss issues of common interest.

“South Africa and Botswana enjoy cordial relations which are informed by cultural ties and geographical proximity,” the Presidency said.

“The two countries cooperate on a wide range of areas, including transport, trade and investment, health, education, environmental issues, water, science and technology, agriculture, justice, immigration, energy, finance, culture, security, sport, etc.”

South Africa remains one of Botswana’s major trading partners as a large number of South African companies operate in Botswana in various sectors.

President Zuma will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane, and Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa.