19 Apr 2017

The Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has commended Botswana Heads of Missions for representing Botswana well in their respective missions.

Speaking during  the official opening of the Heads of Mission conference in Gaborone on Tuesday, she said government was aware of the fact that Botswana missions had limited resources yet the envoys continued to do a commendable job despite the challenges.

Dr Venson-Moitoi said the conference was meant to interrogate challenges faced by the ministry and all the missions and further come up with solutions of how these challenges could  be dealt with.

She indicated that the meeting would help the representatives to carry out their core mandate in their respective countries of coverage.

“As Botswana envoys you are encouraged to sell Botswana’s foreign policy in your respective countries of mission.”

The minister congratulated Botswana’s new envoys to Switzerland and Japan Dr Athaliah Molokomme and Mr Nkoloi Nkoloi respectively.

She also bid farewell to all the ambassadors and high commissioners who had left the profession in the past year wishing them well in their future endeavors.

She highlighted that this year’s theme “50 years of Botswana’s foreign policy: Celebrate, Reflect and Advance, was befitting as Botswana celebrated 50 years of independence last year.

Dr Venson-Moitoi stated that Botswana continued to face challenges of shortage of water distribution and power shortage.

Dean of Botswana missions abroad Mr Roy Blackbeard indicated that the expectations of high commissioners and ambassadors were very diverse which needed to be addressed.

He stated that during their meeting with President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama they had discussed issues and challenges pertaining to their missions.

In His remarks Permanent Secretary to the President Mr Carter Morupisi commended the envoys for accepting the national assignment to represent Botswana in their respective consulates.

He highlighted that there was need to establish synergies to position Botswana well globally hence stating that envoys had to work hard to ensure this materialised.

“You should identify opportunities that can secure Botswana’s future. You should be in the forefront to ensure Botswana forges strategic partnerships with neighbours and the rest of the world.” BOPA