11 Feb 2018

Russian ambassador to Botswana, Mr Victor Sibilev says Moscow and Gaborone cooperate to deepen their political dialogue and step up mutually beneficial ties in the trade, economic, humanitarian and other spheres, based on firm foundations of their traditional friendship.

Speaking at Russia’s Diplomacy Day recently, Mr Sibilev noted that the two countries were developing high-level and top-level political dialogue, promoting inter-parliamentary contacts and expanding cooperation between foreign ministries.

To that end, he said last year deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Thuso Ramodimoosi visited Moscow to hold inter-ministerial consultations with deputy foreign minister of Russia, Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East and African countries, Mr Mikhail Bogdanov.

He noted that there were a number of Botswana high-level delegations participating in important international events in Russia, which included the 19th World Festival of Youth Students, 137th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, eighth international meeting of high representatives responsible for security and the first global ministerial conference ending tuberculosis in the sustainable development era: a multi-sectoral response.      

Mr Sibilev said among other things, Russian policy had sought to prevent destabilisation of international relations, and the policy was met with broad understanding in the world.

He noted that together with other constructive actors in the international community, Russia tried to prevent degradation of the international system that was currently badly out of balance.

He noted that Russia’s active involvement in resolving conflict in Syria contributed to the elimination of the main forces of the Islamic state terrorist group in that country and formation of pre-requisites for a political settlement under the supervision of  the United Nations.

In conjunction with Iran and Turkey, Russia acted as the guarantor of the cease fire agreements between the government forces and the armed opposition, and worked out the parameters for holding the Syrian National Dialogue Congress with the participation of a wide range of representatives of the Syrian people.

On other issues, Ambassador Sibilev said Russia was closely cooperating with the African Union in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime, as well as in trying to settle conflicts in Africa.

Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Biggie Butale, on behalf of Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, said it came as no surprise that modern day Russian Diplomacy continued to play a significant role in the global political discourse.

Mr Butale noted that Russia’s permanent membership to the United Nations Security Council provided an important platform for contributing towards maintenance and peaceful resolution of conflict that posed serious threat to world peace and stability.

“Today’s celebration is thus, a clear testimony of Russia’s strong conviction in the fundamental values that underpin the art of diplomacy. It also serves as a reminder to us all that diplomatic discourse remains a fundamental avenue for the peaceful settlement of disputes as well as the maintenance and sustenance of friendly relations between states,” he said. Ends