15 Jul 2015

The  Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has commended the French government for maintaining good bilateral relations with Botswana government.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said this during the France Bastille Day celebration on Tuesday, which was held in reminiscence of the events which occurred during this historic day which marked the 1789 French Revolution.

She described the French revolution as a milestone which ushered in the modern day France whose democratic credentials remain unquestionable.

The minister noted that Botswana has enjoyed mutually beneficial cooperation and collaboration with France, adding that, “without any doubt our country would not be where it is today in terms of economic development.

Over the years, the French government has extended assistance in fields such as education, mining capacity building and the agricultural sector among others. Botswana remains the only country in Sub-Saharan Africa, which produces and internationally exports Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine,” she said.

Dr Venson-Moitoi thanked France Ambassador to Botswana, Ms Anne de La Blache for facilitating the recent visit to France by President Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Khama. She said the visit yielded positive results as the two Presidents (Lt Gen. Khama and Mr Francois Hollande) outlined a roadmap for the two countries’ future bilateral cooperation.

Further, the minister said France and Botswana succeeded in signing bilateral cooperation agreements in the fields of education and defence.

“Government of Botswana remains committed to do what it can to strengthen its relations with France, including full implementation of all the agreements that it has entered into among others, those signed during the recent state visit,” she said.

For her part, de La Blache said this was a France national day which, “70 years ago, world war II was coming to an end leaving devastated countries and tens of millions of victims all over the planet,” she said.

She noted that, “international security is at threat with the accumulation of crises in different parts of the world and the increase of terrorist attacks worldwide, from Paris in January to Tunisia, two weeks ago.

These dangers and crisis are not only targeting innocent people, destroying families and communities but are also putting in jeopardy fundamental freedoms and developments,” she said.

She added that it was important for countries to work towards upholding world peace and security.

Ambassador de La Blache added that indeed France and Botswana have the same perspective regarding many security issues and global issues and it is natural and promising that they should wish to strengthen relationships.

She said during President Khama’s visit to France two weeks ago, at the centre of discussions were issues of climate change.

“Botswana is indeed very much involved as shown by the Gaborone Declaration signed in 2012 by 10 African countries and different Non-Governmental Organisations,” she said.

Further, she said political good relations exist between France and Botswana evident in the recently signed memorandums of agreements.  “These political good relations will allow even closer economic and people to people relations,” she said.  ends