Military

DATE= 07/09/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH BOTSWANA OVERNIGHT (S-O)

NUMBER=2-305254

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=PRETORIA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush visits Botswana Thursday on the third stop of his five-nation tour of Africa. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, he will visit an economic zone designed to increase trade between the United States and Southern Africa.

TEXT: President Bush begins the day in South Africa where he will meet with U-S embassy staff before leaving for Botswana and talks with President Festus Mogae.

Botswana is one of Africa's richest countries with huge diamond reserves and a relatively small population. The two leaders are expected to discuss ongoing talks to forge a free trade agreement between the United States and members of the Southern African Customs Union.

They will visit a U-S-sponsored trade center opened last year to boost economic investments between the countries and tour the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, which is home to elephant orphans and nine endangered white rhino.

Mr. and Mrs. Bush will visit an environmentally-friendly agricultural program and a conservation center for children. They will take a brief safari on the 30-square kilometer reserve before returning to South Africa. (SIGNED)

NEB/SS/FC