SOUTH Africa and Botswana should continue working together so they can create opportunities to ensure economic and industrial development, President Jacob Zuma said yesterday.

Zuma welcomed Botswana's President Ian Khama at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, saying cooperation would lead to job creation and alleviation of poverty.

"Our two countries currently have structured cooperation in the form of a Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation, as well as a Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation on Defence and Security," he said.

Zuma stressed the need for the two countries to mutually support each other in "our endeavours to build a better future for all of our people".

"Building on the good work done by the two structures, today we decided to elevate our relations into a bi-national commission, which will be presided over by the two heads of state. The BNC will meet annually, alternating between Pretoria and Gaborone.

Zuma said both countries had worked hard to deal with various challenges of economic growth and development.

He said the energy and water needs of South Africa and Botswana were discussed, as well as how the two countries could support each other in their requirements and the development of the potential thatcurrently exists.

"On regional and international issues, we reaffirmed our commitment to the goals and aspirations of the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community, to bring about development, enhance trade and improve infrastructure in Southern Africa," Zuma said.

President Khama later visited Freedom Park in the capital city with Zuma to lay a wreath commemorating those who had dedicated and given their lives to help South Africa achieve the freedom it now enjoys.