18 Jul 2013

Botswana government appreciates the growth of French commercial presence in the country.

Speaking at the French National Day celebrations in Gaborone on Wednesday, the Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Dr Gloria Somolekae said French companies based in Botswana contributed to the country’s industrial growth and also played a pivotal role in the wider development of this country through their corporate social responsibility programmes.

She said this was demonstrated by the sponsorship of the national football team, Zebras, by Orange Botswana. Dr Somolekae said the French National Day also known as Bastille Day was a reminder of the virtuous doctrines of liberty, equality and fraternity for all. 

She said these values resonated throughout the world, including in Botswana and paid tribute to France for its global leadership in making the values universal.

Dr Somolekae said that it was through this commonality of beliefs that the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1967 adding that since then, the friendship had grown to cover various areas, including education and scientific research, arts and culture, agriculture and military, among others.

For her part, the French Ambassador, Mrs Anne de la Blache said liberty, equality, fraternity was the motto of the French Republic, carved on the pediment of their public buildings. She stressed that these were not only words, but also values to stand up for and source of inspiration in France and beyond.

Mrs de la Blache said in July 1880, a law was adopted for July 14 to become the French National Day so that everyone could feel comfortable with an emblematic date in a nation emerging from one century of turmoil and political changes.

She explained that the date was chosen to commemorate the ‘Fete de la Federation’ which took place on July 14, 1790, one year later after the beginning of the French revolution. 

She noted that France had found in Botswana “a key player equally committed to the defence of fundamental freedoms, human rights, good governance and the rule of law that has fearlessely voiced its solidarity with oppressed people like the Syrian one.” 

She said apart from Botswana’s amazing economic success, its democratic institutions and outstanding political stability, “I am convinced that Botswana’s firmness on these principles and values is also a reason why it is so attractive to visitors and investors.”

Mrs de la Blache stressed her commitment to developing and increasing the economic and commercial ties between the two countries and enabling the development of new sectors including sustainable technologies, better services and new training opportunities.  ENDS