20 May 2018

European Union (EU) continues to play a pivotal role of leadership in finding solutions to global challenges for the betterment of humanity.

Giving remarks at the European Day in Gaborone on May 18,  Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Nonofo Molefhi noted that the EU was critical when it comes to peace and security in particular issues of terrorism, conflicts, human trafficking, climate change, poverty, diseases and humanitarian disasters.

In the same breadth, Mr Molefhi also expressed gratitude to the EU for its continued support and generous assistance in Botswana’s development agenda.

He said for many years, EU had been a dependable and strategic development partner to Botswana, adding that the National Indicative Programme (NIP) had been vital in this regard.

“Regionally, we applaud the instrumental role that the EU continues to play in our region’s development aspirations.

Recently, the EU and OKACOM signed a 1.65 million Euros grant that will facilitate cooperation on trans-boundary water management in the Cubango-Okavango River Basin.

"We are grateful for this offer as the funds will provide the necessary tools, including monitoring stations, and building capacity in the institutions monitoring the project,” he said.

On other issues, he said he was happy that Botswana and the EU would hold the Botswana/EU Political Dialogue sometime next month, an important engagement platform that offered Botswana an opportunity to engage constructively with a view to deepen their strategic partnership and cooperation in all aspects of human development.

The dialogue comes at a juncture in Botswana’s negotiations on the future relationship between the ACP and EU when the Cotonou Partnership Agreement comes to an end in 2020.

In this regard, Botswana has established a National Negotiation Committee to prepare for these negotiations.

He however noted that the EU being the world’s largest economic block and the most important trading partner to many across the globe, many countries in Europe had made remarkable progress in research and innovation and extra-ordinary creativity, thus turning the EU into a trail blazer of technology innovation, environmental protection and climate change mitigation as well as sustainable development.

He therefore commended member states of the EU for the great strides that demonstrated how regional integration based on right policy decisions, hard work and commitment could contribute to the development trajectory, as well as the improvement standards of living in any country. ENDS