[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 14 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Pages 538-539]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 two 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

[[Page 539]]

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.
    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 President Ketumile Masire and his wife, Lady 
Obebile, Vice President Festus Mogae and his wife, Barbara, and Minister 
of Foreign Affairs Mompati Merahfe of Botswana. The President also 
referred to the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African 
Development Community (SADC).