29 Nov 2016

 President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama on Tuesday received letters of credence from the Ambassador of France to Botswana Mr Pierre Voillery.

Botswana’s diplomatic relations with France were established in 1967 with France having a resident mission in Gaborone that was opened in July 2001.

In an interview, Mr Voillery said Botswana and France relationship was very strong adding that his country appreciated their bilateral relations with the former.

He highlighted that the relations between the two countries came a long way as the two had worked together in critical areas such as conservation, agriculture, transport and culture among others. Mr Voillery said President Khama’s past visit to France was a success adding that French President François Hollande had asked the ambassador to thank President Khama on his behalf for the visit.

He highlighted that his mission was to help Botswana economically in development and diversification.

The ambassador further stated that he would like to assist Botswana in issues relating to renewable energy and water.

Mr Voillery said preservation of heritage was one of his key areas of focus therefore noted that he would hold a meeting in a few days with his administration to see how to go about it.

He further commended Botswana for respecting her natural resources which he said had set out Botswana to be an exemplary in heritage preservation. ENDS