Secretary-General holds talks with President of Botswana

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon called on President Festus Mogae of Botswana on 15 December 2006 during a two-day visit to Gaborone as part of his Southern Africa tour.

They discussed promoting the core values and work of the Commonwealth, particularly in the fields of democracy, good governance and sustainable development. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda in November 2007 was also discussed.

Earlier, Mr McKinnon met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Lt-Gen Mompati Merafhe, and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Neo Noroka.

In his discussions, the Secretary-General encouraged the Botswana Government to ratify the International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights as part of an initiative he launched in 2005 to have this foundation international human rights treaty ratified by all Commonwealth countries as soon as possible. The Secretary-General offered Commonwealth technical assistance to achieve ratification if required.

Mr McKinnon, who travelled to Botswana from Namibia, will head for Lesotho and Swaziland where he is scheduled to meet the countries' Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers.

In Lesotho, talks are expected to centre on the forthcoming elections; while in Swaziland, discussions are likely to focus on reviewing the implementation of the country's constitution. It was renewed earlier this year with assistance and support from the Commonwealth.

The Secretary-General will also brief political leaders during the calls in capitals on progress achieved by the recently established Commission on Respect and Understanding, and the Committee on Commonwealth Membership.

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• Country Profile: Botswana
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• Country Profile: Namibia
• Country Profile: Uganda
• Country Profile: Swaziland