22 Sep 2014

The European Union ambassador to Botswana and SADC, Mr Alexander Baum, presented letters of credence to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama at Office of the President on September 22.

Mr Baum replaced Mr Gerard McGovern whose nearly four-year tenure finished at the end of last month. In a brief interview after his meeting with the President, Mr Baum said he would continue where his predecessor left, in terms of cultivating good relations between the EU and Botswana and the SADC secretariat.

“My predecessor left a close working and cordial relations with the SADC.  That relationship can now be developed and made stronger in terms of economic relations and trade,” Mr Baum said.

He said he was looking at ensuring that the SADC reaped more benefits through the Economic Partnership Agreement, which existed between EU and SADC. He said the long standing relationship between EU and Botswana and SADC went back to the Lome Convention and the Pointe Noire Agreement.

“The Pointe Noire Agreement provides the broad base of European Union’s relations with Botswana in terms of supporting Botswana’s efforts of moving forward and becoming a prosperous nation,” Mr Baum added.

He further said the EU aimed to support Botswana in exploiting the foreign investment opportunities available from Europe. Mr Baum also held some brief talks with Minister Mokgweetsi Masisi. Ends