01 Jun 2016

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama received letters of credence from envoys  of the Czech Republic and the Holy See at Office of the President on May 31.

Archbishop Peter Wells of Holy See and Michal Kral of the Czech Republic are based in South Africa.

Archbishop Wells said the Holy See, often called the Vatican State, was the smallest sovereign state in the world and the Pope was their head of state. 

“We (the Holy See) have full diplomatic relations with 180 countries and international organisations around the world. We have about 100 ambassadors resident in different countries and non-resident ambassadors,” 

Archbishop Wells said in a brief interview that, “we had a very wonderful discussion with the President.  We talked about the contribution of the Roman Catholic Church in Botswana. The citizens who are members of the Roman Catholic Church have contributed much to the social fabric here, particularly the institutions around the schools, and also the clinics and health care.” 

Archbishop Wells said they visited some institutions belonging to the Roman Catholic Church in Botswana such as Mater Spei and St Joseph’s colleges.

For his part, Mr Kral said Botswana and the Czech Republic had excellent relations and shared similar views on human rights and the rule of law. 

Mr Kral said Botswana had a good track record regarding the rule of law and fight against corruption which impresses the Czech Republic government. Ends