Botswana–South Africa relations
Botswana–South Africa relations refers to the historical and current relationship of Botswana and South Africa. Botswana has a high commission in Pretoria and South Africa has a high commission in Gaborone. Both countries are former British colonies and members of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). History. The foundation for this relationship dates back to the establishment of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) in 1910. In 1985 South Africa launched a military operation to Gaborone, attacking African National Congress targets in Botswana. These attacks were condemned  by a spokesperson for US President Ronald Reagan. In 1986, President Quett Masire of Botswana said that South Africa's black neighbours would suffer most if Western countries imposed economic sanctions on South Africa. He said "Obviously we can't prohibit the West from imposing sanctions on South Africa and we welcome every form of pressure on the apartheid regime." Relations between South Africa and Botswana were formalised with the establishment of representative offices in both countries in 1992. The upgrading of relations to full diplomatic level came into force on 22 June 1994. The two countries enjoyed good relations  during the presidencies of Thabo Mbeki and Festus Mogae. During the presidencies of Jacob Zuma and Ian Khama relations declined due to differences over African Union appointments, South Africa's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court and Zimbabwe. Cooperation. In 2003, South African President, Thabo Mbeki visited Botswana President Festus Mogae. The two countries issued a communique which said the two heads of state reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest such as the Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation between Botswana and South Africa. The two leaders also expressed the  need "to assist the people of Zimbabwe in addressing the problems confronting their country". In November 2008, the Presidents of both countries agreed to work together to resolve the crisis in Zimbabwe following its presidential election. References.