President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi praised the late Namibian President, Dr. Hage Geingob, as a genuine supporter of Botswana, recognizing his profound comprehension of Botswana's pivotal role in Namibia's liberation struggle and his efforts to fortify the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

During the Memorial Service held in honor of Dr. Geingob at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday, President Masisi emphasized the late leader's unique understanding of Botswana's significance in the Southern African liberation context, particularly amidst a region characterized by hostile white minority regimes and ongoing wars of independence in neighboring countries like Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), South West Africa (Namibia), Angola, and Mozambique.

President Masisi recalled Dr. Geingob's personal experience of political exile in Botswana, highlighting their shared conversations about Dr. Geingob's early involvement in politics while residing in Francistown.

Acknowledging the sacrifices made by Batswana in the liberation struggle, President Masisi praised Dr. Geingob's empathy towards Botswana's challenging position during that period.

The two statesmen, President Masisi noted, shared common values and aspirations, which facilitated their joint efforts to enhance bilateral relations and advocate similar positions on global issues in international forums.

President Masisi hailed Dr. Geingob as a true Pan-Africanist and advocate for multilateralism, underscoring his significant contributions to regional and global diplomacy. Highlighting their collaborative achievements, President Masisi mentioned the bilateral agreement signed last year allowing citizens of Botswana and Namibia to use national identity cards for border crossings.

President Masisi, accompanied by a delegation including Ms. Neo Masisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lemogang Kwape, and Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr. Eric Molale, joined numerous dignitaries from across the sub-region, continent, and beyond in paying tribute during the memorial service and subsequent burial on Sunday.