    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [March 29, 1998]
    [Pages 470-471]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Reception in Gaborone, Botswana
    March 29, 1998

        Thank you very much. Mr. Foreign Minister, President Masire, Lady
    Obebile, Vice President Mogae, Mrs. Mogae, and all the
    other people who have previously been recognized by a previous speaker.
    [Laughter] I am glad to be here and to receive such a warm welcome and a
    standing ovation from all of you. [Laughter]
        For Hillary and for me, this has been an extraordinary trip for our
    entire American delegation. It has taken us from Africa's western rim to
    its southern shore, from its smallest villages to its most modern
    cities, from its youngest democracy, South Africa, to its oldest,
    Botswana.
        We have seen the promise of a new Africa whose roots are deep here
    in your soil, for you have been an inspiration to all who cherish
    freedom. At your independence three decades ago, Botswana was among the
    poorest countries on Earth, with only 2 miles of paved roads and one
    public secondary school. Today, you have a vibrant economy, a network of
    major highways, almost full enrollment in primary schools, and the
    longest average lifespan in sub-Saharan Africa. Congratulations to all
    of you. Africa needs more Botswanas, and America is determined to
    support all those who would follow your lead.
        Today I'm pleased to announce our intent to establish Radio
    Democracy for Africa, a Voice of America service aimed directly at
    encouraging progress toward freedom and democracy, respect for human
    rights, and an independent and objective media. I thank Congressman
    Royce in particular for his leadership in
    promoting this program, as well as the other members of our
    congressional delegation.

    [[Page 471]]

        Botswana's success was built by its people and by the dedicated
    leaders they chose. President Masire, I am
    deeply honored to be among those here as you leave your distinguished
    tenure. As Vice President and Finance Minister, you sparked the engine
    of an economic miracle by establishing the first joint ventures for
    mining diamonds. You created Botswana's sound fiscal and monetary
    regimes. You negotiated Botswana's access to European markets. You
    earned the trust of your fellow citizens. President, you've ensured that
    human rights and the rule of law could make their home in Botswana. Your
    stand against apartheid and your support of the ANC gave hope to all who
    yearned for dignity and equality in South Africa. You have been a leader
    in conserving wildlife. You've sent your troops on missions of peace in
    Somalia, Rwanda, and Mozambique. And as a founding member and host to
    the SADC Secretariat, you have helped bring countries in this region
    closer together and create new opportunities for your people. Now, as
    you step down from public office after 18 years of leadership, you're
    ensuring the peaceful transfer of power that has come to characterize
    this land.
        Mr. President, on behalf of all
    Americans, I salute you and your achievements. I would say you have
    earned the right to go back to your cattle ranch. [Laughter]
        The United States has been very proud to support Botswana's
    progress. Botswana's success led to the bittersweet closing of our AID
    and Peace Corps programs. But though these development programs have
    finished, their legacy endures. Lady Obebile,
    I know you taught many Peace Corps volunteers their first words in
    Setswana. You helped to ensure that countless young Americans came home
    with a lifelong love for your country and this continent.
        Now we're building in that spirit of cooperation to renew our
    partnership for the future, based on common values, common vision, and
    mutual respect. Together, we can help all men and women in Africa secure
    the freedom that is their birthright. We can deepen our investment in
    trade and bring the prosperity to all citizens. We can work together to
    deter conflicts before they explode into crises. And together, we can
    protect this fragile Earth for future generations.
        Visitors to Botswana will never forget the beauty of your
    environment. Tomorrow Hillary and I will have the great pleasure of
    visiting Chobe ourselves. You have been blessed with abundant resources,
    but none of those is more precious than your people. Because of them,
    the future looks bright for Botswana and for the region as well.
        So, Mr. President, on behalf of all
    Americans, thank you again for the extraordinary example you and the
    people of Botswana have set. I wish you all the best. America is proud
    to be Botswana's partner and friend.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:10 p.m. on the State House Lawn. In his
    remarks, he referred to Sir Ketumile Masire, President of Botswana, and
    his wife, Lady Obebile; Vice President Festus Mogae and his wife,
    Barbara; and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mompati Merahfe. The President
    also referred to the African National Congress (ANC) and the South
    African Development Community (SADC).