President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday congratulated Botswana's outgoing President Ian Khama for a smooth transition of power, and for working to deepen democracy in the country.
Uhuru stated: "I acknowledge with sincere appreciation your message of goodwill at the end of your tenure in office as the President of the Republic of Botswana."
He further noted that during President Khama's tenure, Kenya and Botswana experienced extraordinary levels of bilateral cooperation.
"Allow me to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you, and the Government of Botswana, for being an astute leader as well as a dependable catalyst in revitalising Kenya-Botswana relations," the President stated.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta with President Ian Khama"]
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"It remains my desire to strengthen these ties. In this regard, I look forward to working even more closely with your successor for the betterment and prosperity of our continent and its peoples," he added.
President Kenyatta pointed out that the two countries have registered progress in their joint implementation of bilateral, regional, and continental decisions.
The Kenyan Head of State further echoed his commitment to mutually beneficial relations and cooperation between Kenya and Botswana.
Khama was the fourth president of Botswana since the country attained independence in 1966.
His Deputy Mokgweetsi Masisi becomes only the third leader to take charge of the southern African nation outside the Khama political dynasty.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta with President Ian Khama"]
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Khama is known as a straight talker having publicly criticised leaders including US President Donald Trump for an alleged slur against African countries and then-President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe for overstaying his welcome.
