I congratulate the people of Botswana on their successful national parliamentary elections. International observers have declared the election free, fair, and transparent. I commend all Batswana who turned out in overwhelming numbers to participate in your eleventh parliamentary election since independence in 1966.

The United States and Botswana enjoy a close friendship based on our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. I look forward to deepening our relationship with the Batswana people and to continue working closely with the government.