16 Jul 2014

Botswana has benefitted from its relationship with France, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani has said.

Speaking at French National Day in Gaborone on July 14 he said the relationship was underpinned by cooperation agreements in critical sectors such as education, agriculture, scientific research, health, tourism, arts and culture, security, finance, trade and youth development. 

Mr Skelemani said the cooperation agreements also assisted the country to benefit from technical assistance and opened up avenues for youth to develop relationships with their French counterparts.

He noted that many renowned Batswana youth artists discovered their musical and poetic talent through the Fete De la music concert. 

“This is the contribution the Alliance Francaise has brought to us beyond providing a place to teach us the French language and culture,” he said 

Furthermore, he said the relationship had also manifested at international level through joint effort in tackling issues pertaining to the promotion of human rights at various levels. 

This was evidenced by co-hosting a seminar on trafficking in persons in the southern Africa regional challenges and national responses.

“France has immensely contributed to the development of our country, including the invaluable assistance through the European Development Fund to which France is a significant contributor,” he said.

Ambassador of France, Ms Anne de la Blache reiterated the important relationship between Botswana and France. She assured Botswana full support and commitment in addressing challenges facing the country in the sectors of education, economy, water and energy as well as fighting HIV and AIDS.

She further commended and encouraged Botswana’s endeavours to protect women’s dignity and support their empowerment.

Ambassador Blache said as her country would be hosting COP 21 conference on climate change next year, it would be particularly attentive to the expectations of the Africa Group and extremely interested to engage with Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region on the issue. ENDS