The University of Namibia (UNAM) hosted a public lecture on Monday with former president of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi, with a focus on the historical bilateral relationship between the two nations.

The lecture was titled Namibia-Botswana: Past, Present and Future. 

Dr Masisi said the formal seeds of shaping Namibia's foreign policy with respect to how they viewed the country were shaped by a commitment to make sure that the concept, the nation, the prosperity and peace were assured.

"Yes, liberation movements, many including from Namibia, chose or perhaps were forced by circumstance into bearing arms and waging war. We in Likulur, Botswana, after careful analysis, chose to bear our suavity, intellect and diplomacy and yet be a part of the liberation struggle. So yes, we claim rightfully a seat at the table of liberation movements."

Masisi stated that Botswana played a very supportive role in Namibia's independence struggle, also being one of the founding members of the frontline states movement.

They took in refugees and facilitated liberation efforts despite their non-aligned stance and vulnerability to South African aggression, pressure and assault.

"We provided safe passage for every patch of every country that needed to be liberated in the region. It was Botswana that was the birth canal. Not just the birth canal, the safe, warm, reassuring birth canal that always delivered."