Pretoria: President Jacob Zuma will undertake a two-day state visit to the neighbouring Republic of Botswana on Wednesday.

President Zuma’s trip to Botswana follows the successful state visit of President Seretse Khama Ian Khama to South Africa in October 2010, during which the two countries reviewed progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.

“South Africa and Botswana enjoy very strong historical, economic, social, political and neighbourly relations, which were deepened during South Africa’s struggle for liberation,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The visit is expected to focus on key areas such as trade and investment, energy, transport, science and technology, environment and security issues.

It will also emphasize the need to invest in infrastructure development, especially the need for the two countries to work together on large scale projects such as cross border infrastructure, industrial and energy developments.

Strong economic ties already exist between the two countries and South Africa remains Botswana’s major trading partner.

South African companies have a huge presence in Botswana and are involved in various sectors, including mining, housing, food and beverages, construction, retail, hotels and leisure, banking and medical services.

According to the Presidency, among agreements scheduled to be signed include Bi-national Commission at a Presidential level, under which relations will be structured going forward.

President Zuma will be accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Energy Dipuo Peters, Trade and Industry Rob Davies, Transport Ben Martins, Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa, Science and Technology Naledi Pandor as well as Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu.

A multi-sectoral business delegation will also accompany the President to meet with their Batswana counterparts.