19 Jul 2016

Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Eric Molale says the relations that exist between the governments of Botswana and France are valuable and should be expanded in scope.

Speaking during an occasion organised by the French Embassy to commemorate their country’s national day - The Bastille Day on July 14, Mr Molale said Botswana had received support from France in various forms such as education, tourism, capacity building in mining; police and military operations; fight against HIV and AIDS; agriculture, and cultural cooperation.

“We have also resolved to closely collaborate in other critical areas, which include, among others, the transfer of knowledge and best practices in the jewelry sector, anti-poaching, as well as counter terrorism and cybercrime,” he said. 

He added that the examples were indeed tangible as the two countries endeavoured to expand the scope of their bilateral cooperation. 

Mr Molale, who was speaking on behalf of the minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, also said strong cooperation in the aviation sector had made it possible for Botswana to train its pilots and acquire aircrafts from France.

“The continued exchange of high-level visits between Botswana and France has also contributed immensely to the strengthening of our bilateral cooperation,” the mister said.

President Lt. Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama paid a state visit to France last year while the France minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy was in Botswana at some time for an official visit. 

A delegation from the French Parliament also came to Botswana two months ago.

The Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14 every year, commemorates the storming of the Bastille (a fortress prison in Paris) on July 14, 1789 in the French Revolution, which led to the Declaration of the rights of man and of the citizen in France.

French Ambassador to Botswana Ms Anne de la Blache said the day was an important one to the people of France.

She said France enjoyed long standing relations with Botswana and that the two countries had excellent bilateral relations in law enforcement and military training.

She further commended the existing trade relations between the two countries which have resulted in a number of French companies operating in Botswana. ENDS