15 Jul 2015

In a precinct characterised by tight security, two striking flags are hoisted high; one with rich royal blue, crisp white and red (France) and the other, a royal blue background with 12 gold stars (European Union). 

The two standout majestically in a symmetrical position as one enters the French Embassy. On the flanks, Botswana’s sky blue, black and white flags are given some sort of dominance. 

Notably, this area is a key French operative in Botswana, a gateway to France and indeed the Eurozone charged with fundamentally advancing French interests in Botswana. 

Sitting at the helm of this major operative in Botswana is Ambassador Anne de la Blache and special representative to SADC.

She speaks to BOPA reporter Calviniah Kgautlhe on a wide variety of issues ranging from education, water and electricity, defence and security, environment as well as economics.

She expounds on in broad strokes, bilateral relations and trade relations between France and Botswana, provides insight on the recent developments between the two countries and shares what ordinary Batswana can salvage from the French through the France-Botswana Business Club. 

BOPA: Madam Ambassador, can you briefly expound on the history of bilateral relations between France and Botswana?

Ambassador de la Blache: Our diplomatic relations date as far back as 1967. Botswana is a stable country and has excellent reputation in my country for upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. France and Botswana have no common history but we have a lot in common. 

We share the same values and principles. Like France, Botswana is not afraid to voice out its position on foreign matters and go against the wind. That speaks to its sovereignty and it cannot be swayed by differing opinions. As France, we want to be closer to the most stable countries like Botswana. We hope for an active and dynamic future with Botswana.

BOPA: Apart from many French products and businesses here such as Orange, Air Liquide, Peugeot, Citroen, AGS Frasers to name but a few, what instantly comes to mind is that the French language is taught in Botswana schools, can you explain how this partnership works? 

Ambassador de la Blache: French language is taught in Botswana secondary schools and the University. We have a partnership to have 20-30 teachers training in French. Every five years we renew our 2008 Framework Agreement on Educational Cooperation and we have developed it to include new dimensions, which include twinning on educational matters such as vocational training, tourism, hospitality, university, as well as cancer research. 

Not only that, for example Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Venson Moitoi and I recently signed an agreement between Oodi College of Applied Arts and the French School of Jewelry in which students will be trained in France and teachers will come from France to teach here. We are also in the process of working with the Innovation Hub on the Morula product.

BOPA: Botswana is currently facing challenges of acute shortage of water and sustainable energy which in turn affects other sectors, what insight or assistance can France bring to the table in order to untangle this problem?

Ambassador de la Blache: These are critical sectors in which France can provide tried and tested solutions on water and electricity problems. Government should protect itself by setting standards for quality deliverables. I intend to bring experts from my country to share ideas in this area. 

Every country has the right to quality and therefore emphasis should be put on quality and sustainable processes. We should be protected by standards. Given the abundance of the natural resource, the solar energy, Botswana can be a model for renewable energy.

BOPA: On environment as France prepares to host a critical environment summit, the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) which is a legally binding agreement on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, what are your expectations of Botswana?

Ambassador de la Blache: At the end of this year France will host over 40 000 delegates from the 195 member states of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris for the upcoming COP 21 and all countries have been urged to bring forward their contributions. 

Africa is a very important partner in this conference and as for Botswana, we are looking forward to the implementation of the Gaborone Declaration 2012.

BOPA: In the last Elysee summit for peace and security in Africa, heads of states affirmed peace, security, promotion and protection of human rights in line with United Nations Security Council, what is France doing in Botswana regarding issues of defence and security?

Ambassador de la Blache: You may be aware that French Armed Forces are currently camping close by the Indian Ocean. Our troops have been actively involved in some countries in the African continent. We are working closely with the Botswana army on training of young Cadets.

 We have French soldiers who have been in war-torn Afghanistan who can share their experience with the Botswana army. There is more that we are cooperating together on in defence and security issues in order to reach United Nations (UN) Standards.

BOPA: As you may be aware Madam Ambassador Botswana is grappling with diversifying its economy, from a diamond oriented economy to develop other sectors, which areas is France willing to come on board and assist Botswana develop? 

Ambassador de la Blache: Since I got here I have noticed that Batswana are good natured people and mind you good people are an asset if they can function in a transformative manner. The best thing that Botswana could do for now is to open up its borders to business people who could help the economy grow. 

Business people know better. They must be allowed to get international business partners wherever, whenever as long as they don’t pose a threat to national security. That is how

France did it. On the issue of SMMEs, it’s important for them to get together and create blogs in order to market their products in the international sphere. You cannot go it alone, unite as SMMEs and this will enable you to offer customers variety and at the same time grow rather than fly solo. 

BOPA: Still on issues of trade, a France-Botswana business club was recently established and launched, how is it faring and who is it open to?

Ambassador de la Blache: The club is open to business people, institutions, financial and development agencies from the two countries and even those who have interest in the promotion of economic, trade and investment relations, whether based in France, South Africa, the European Union or further afield. ENDS