Ansari arrives in Botswana

Gaborone (Botswana), Jan.9 (ANI): Vice-President Mohammmad Hamid Ansari arrived in Botswana capital Gaborone this afternoon on a three-day official visit.

Botswana Vice-President Mompati Merafhe and his wife received Vice-President Ansari alongwith other dignitaries at the Sir Sereste Khama International Airport here.

The visiting Indian delegation was accorded a traditional Botswanian welcome with tribal dancers putting up a performance on the airport tarmac. The Vice-President and Mrs. Ansari were introduced to key ministers and officials before departing from the airport.

Vice-President Ansari and his entourage headed straight for the Hotel Walmont Ambassador soon after arrival, and will be briefed by High Commissioner Madhava Chandra on the current status of Indo-Botswana ties.

In the afternoon, the vice-president will call on the President of Botswana, Lt. Gen. Sereste Khama Ian Khama. He will then meet with Vice- President Mompati Merafhe, for one-on-one talks, which will be followed by delegation-level talks and a signing of bilateral agreements.

On Saturday evening, he will attend a State Banquet hosted in his honour by Vice-President Merafhe.

On Sunday, the Indian delegation is expected to visit the Mowana Safari Lodge in Kasane. The Botswanian Vice-President will host a lunch for his Indian counterpart. This will be followed by a boat cruise down the River Chobe and a dinner later in the evening.

On January 11, the Indian delegation will undertake a jungle drive through the Chobe National Park. This will be followed by breakfast and a return to Gaborone. In the afternoon, the vice-president will visit the Diamond Trading Company(DTC). In the evening the vice-president will attend a reception hosted by High Commissioner Chandra for the Indian community.

During the Indian delegation's stay in Botswana, Mrs Salma Ansari will visit the SOS Children's Village.

The vice-president and his entourage will depart for the Sir Sereste Khama International Airport on Monday night to emplane for New Delhi. By Ashok Dixit (ANI)