18 Apr 2018

Former diplomat, Honorary Consul of Finland,  Mr Samuel Mpuchane has been honoured for promoting good bilateral relations between Finland and Botswana.

Owing to an illustrious career in diplomacy, spanning over 25 years, Mr Mpuchane was bestowed with the highest honour by Finland called the Order of The White Rose of Finland and of the Lion of Finland endorsed by President Sauli Niinisto. 

Delivering the award to Mr Mphuchane in Gaborone on Monday, a non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Botswana and South Africa, Mr Kari Alanko described Mr Mpuchane as a good diplomat. 

“He has done a great job in networking Botswana businesses to Finland,”

These, he said resulted in productive businesses in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, and the education system. 

He said Mr Mpuchane’s meritorious service yielded good bilateral relations between the two countries, hence he was conferred the declaration of knight of first class. 

“This is a very prestigious decoration in Finland, which is based on merit and could be awarded to both Finnish and non-citizens for their distinguished service to our country.  We appreciate the work he has been doing over the years,” he said.

For this reason, he said that the good bilateral relations between Botswana and Finland had flourished and saw Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) on April 17 organising a business seminar to promote Finland and Botswana trade and investment. 

Further, ambassador Alanko noted that such business forums promoted good bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr Mpuchane appreciated the honour and said, “I accept this honour with great humility. 

I never expected that it will come to pass. I am most grateful for the honour. 

It was a very nice journey for me, which helped me to keep in touch with the International Relations, the diplomatic corps in Botswana and with the Public Service,” he stated. 

The event was attended by Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, former politician and businessmen Messrs David Magang and Charles Tibone as well as other dignitaries. 

According to a Finland government website, the President of the Republic of Finland serves as the Grand Master of the Orders and has the exclusive right to confer their decorations. 

The Orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Lion of Finland have a joint Chapter that consists of the Grand Master, a Chancellor, a Vice Chancellor and at least four members. 

They are assisted by a Treasurer and two Secretaries.

Additionally, the accolade was in line with the statutes of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, which was adopted on May 16, 1919. 

It stated that the decorations were conferred on citizens who had distinguished themselves in the service of Finland. 

The Order of the Lion of Finland is the youngest of the Orders, founded in 1942. 

Its decorations were awarded in recognition of outstanding civilian or military conduct. 

Foreign nationals may also be awarded these decorations. ENDS