14 Mar 2019

Parliament has commended President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s diplomatic engagements to profile and strengthen Botswana’s relations with strategic partners.

Contributing to the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation 2019/2020 budget proposals debate, MP for Shoshong, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele said it was pleasing to note that President Masisi had since his inauguration been instrumental in landing a number of strategic engagements with the country’s bilateral and multilateral partners.

Mr Makgalemele highlighted that it was fundamental for Botswana to nurture friendly relations with her neighbours and the world at large if she was to continue enjoying peace and stability.

Botswana, he said, should strengthen solidarity and coordination, promote common development as well as increase economic exchanges and coordination with other countries.

He remained hopeful that the tours would attract direct foreign investment which would transform the country’s economy through job creation opportunities.

MP for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi also applauded presidential diplomatic engagements, indicating that it was important for Botswana to create special bonds of friendship and cordial bilateral relations with other countries.

Mr Mmolotsi highlighted that it was important for President Masisi to step up coordination and advance cooperation with other nations and push for reforms in global systems of economy, finance, trade and development.

He said the absence of diplomatic relations with other countries represented an obstacle to the successful pursuit of foreign policy goals.

Mahalapye East legislator, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso commended President Masisi for leading government’s efforts of attracting foreign direct investment.

She said it was common course that over dependence on the mining sector placed Botswana in a vulnerable position hence the need for government to generate more opportunities for diversification.

Ms Tshireletso pleaded with Botswana’s heads of missions abroad to adhere to President Masisi’s call of attracting foreign investment to the country.

She said heads of missions should make every effort to ensure that Botswana’s inspirations were translated into realities of job opportunities through facilitating speedy foreign investment.

“In today’s world order, economic diplomacy is at the centre of any country’s developmental agenda. Therefore Botswana diplomats in that context should give particular attention to foreign direct investment, innovation and human capital development to enhance sustainable and inclusive growth in Botswana,” she said.

For his part, MP for Nata/Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga applauded the student exchange programme that existed between local and international universities, saying they offered broad based benefits and outcomes for students keen to embark on international adventures and enhance the learning process.

Mr Majaga also emphasised the importance of educational exchange programmes, saying international learning and knowledge propelled students towards acceptance and understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives. ENDS