Reception to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
2026/2/27
On the 19th February 2026, Ambassdor Mr. SHINDO Yusuke hosted a reception at the Travelodge to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty, Emperor Naruhito of Japan.
The event was attended by approximately 140 participants, with Honourable Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations as the guest of honour. The evening was graced by other dignitaries, including His Honour the Vice President and Honourable Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe, Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly Dithapelo Keorapetse, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Members of Nation, Heads of the diplomatic corps, senior Botswana government officials and other distinguished guests.
H.E. Mr. SHINDO Yusuke, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Botswana, commenced his speech by greeting the guests in Setswana, "Ke le dumedisa ka Pula!!", and incorporating local phrases throughout his remarks to express his deep respect and affection for Botswana. He emphasized that beyond infrastructure and development assistance, the "people-to-people connection" remains the core of the bilateral bond. Highlighting the achievements of 2025, Ambassador SHINDO reflected on the successful participation of His Honour Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe in TICAD 9, including the imperial tea reception, and the historic performance of the Botswana athletics team at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which profoundly moved the Japanese people. As 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, he expressed his commitment to "co-creating" a sustainable future as partners for the next 60 years.
Following this, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, expressed his gratitude for Japan’s friendship, which began shortly after Botswana’s independence in 1966. He highlighted the significant impact of Japan’s development assistance, such as the iconic Kazungula Bridge, the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), and various grass-roots projects that have enhanced local livelihoods. Minister Butale noted that the engagements during TICAD 9 have already yielded tangible results, with increasing interest from Japanese companies in Botswana’s market. He concluded by reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to further deepening the partnership, particularly in supporting the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) to achieve a diversified and high-income economy.
The event was attended by approximately 140 participants, with Honourable Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations as the guest of honour. The evening was graced by other dignitaries, including His Honour the Vice President and Honourable Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe, Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly Dithapelo Keorapetse, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Members of Nation, Heads of the diplomatic corps, senior Botswana government officials and other distinguished guests.
H.E. Mr. SHINDO Yusuke, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Botswana, commenced his speech by greeting the guests in Setswana, "Ke le dumedisa ka Pula!!", and incorporating local phrases throughout his remarks to express his deep respect and affection for Botswana. He emphasized that beyond infrastructure and development assistance, the "people-to-people connection" remains the core of the bilateral bond. Highlighting the achievements of 2025, Ambassador SHINDO reflected on the successful participation of His Honour Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe in TICAD 9, including the imperial tea reception, and the historic performance of the Botswana athletics team at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which profoundly moved the Japanese people. As 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, he expressed his commitment to "co-creating" a sustainable future as partners for the next 60 years.
Following this, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, expressed his gratitude for Japan’s friendship, which began shortly after Botswana’s independence in 1966. He highlighted the significant impact of Japan’s development assistance, such as the iconic Kazungula Bridge, the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), and various grass-roots projects that have enhanced local livelihoods. Minister Butale noted that the engagements during TICAD 9 have already yielded tangible results, with increasing interest from Japanese companies in Botswana’s market. He concluded by reaffirming Botswana’s commitment to further deepening the partnership, particularly in supporting the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) to achieve a diversified and high-income economy.