14 Apr 2020

Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Unity Dow says the COVID–19 pandemic is an eye opener.

In a media briefing on Tuesday, Dr Dow said it was evident that nations were focused on availing the requisite health for their people. She called on nations to improve relations in the future.

Dr Dow said post the COVID-19 pandemic, African nations must plan together in strengthening their preparedness for any unforeseen eventualities like coronavirus.

“African nations must come up with a comprehensive plan that will intensify both regional and international relations,” said Dr Dow. She added that the future of the global village would be dependent on the positives that would come out of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Dow said the COVID–19 pandemic has made nations to think hard and share ideas aimed at improving the future.

Despite recent reports of mistreatment of Africans in China, Dr Dow said the situation was under control.

She assured Batswana that the situation was under control and would not tarnish relations between Africa and China.

Dr Dow appealed to all states to be mindful of the fact that the COVID – 19 pandemic would pass, and that their relations would prevail.

She said the focus should be on helping each other to deal with the pandemic.

Dr Dow also acknowledged that there were foreign nationals in Botswana, and that they could not leave due to the restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.

She said there was a proposal to assess them and establish how they could be assisted. Ends