HARARE - Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai begins a two-day working visit to Botswana today in a diplomatic initiative aimed at enhancing economic and socio-political relations with the neighbouring country.

Tsvangirai, who will beaccompanied by several government officials from the ministries of Water, Finance, Agriculture and Transport, will visit Gaborone, the capital of Botswana where he will confer with President Ian Seretse Khama.

Tsvangirai will have a private discussion with Khama upon arrival today afternoon.

Luke Tamborinyoka, Tsvangirai’s spokesperson said the two will discuss issues of mutual concern.
“They will discuss a credit line facility signed in September 2012, by the respective ministers of finance,” Tamborinyoka said.

Botswana in September extended a credit facility of about $70 million meant to revive Zimbabwe’s ailing industry.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Botswana’s Finance minister Kenneth Matambo and his Zimbabwean counterpart Tendai Biti.

“They will also discuss the implementation of the agreement on control of foot and mouth disease, the opening of the Nyamamabaka-Mlumbatele Border Post as well as the tripartite agreement between Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to develop a railway link and port for the transportation of coal and other commodities from our countries to the Eastern market,” he said.

Tsvangirai enjoys cordial relations with the Botswana leader, who has been outspoken in his criticism of misrule in Africa.

“The visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss the possibility of a joint water project along our common border,” Tamborinyoka said.

“This is a key issue given the scarcity of water in Bulawayo and Francistown.” - Staff Writer