10 Sep 2013

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr Phandu Skelemani on Monday, September 9 called on Heads of Missions (HoM) to reflect on the country’s past achievements and shortcomings, and work together towards a common purpose

Speaking at a reception hosted for HoM on Monday, Mr Skelemani said Botswana should be proud of its achievements as a nation, which has enabled the country to gain international respect. 

“We stood up for the country’s ideals and we were among the few who used their meagre resources to develop the country and people beyond the expectation of many.  Because of those ideals, the country has developed solid friendships with its neighbours and those further afield,” said Mr Skelemani. 

He said these friendships had enabled Botswana to reach the level of upper middle income status and they were evidenced by the response that Botswana got when asking for assistance on HIV/AIDS. 

“It is the same response that the country was given when the nerve of the economy, the diamond industry, was under attack,” said Mr Skelemani. He revealed that Botswana was among the leading voices that called on the international community to view the diamond industry as a major contributor to development and not a perpetuator of conflict, and the country managed to back up its voice with living examples.

For his part the Dean of Botswana Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Mr Roy Blackbeard said they welcomed the opportunity to come and interact with the team at headquarters and other stakeholders.  He said it was important to appreciate how combined efforts could be best harmonised and integrated to promote implementation of the key priorities of the government.  

Mr Blackbeard said missions would be able to play their role in an effective way if they continue to re-examine their strategies and refocus their action plans to leverage the limited resources at their disposal to achieve meaningful results. 

“As envoys we are best placed, and indeed recognize that Botswana needs to continue building strong alliances with the international community, non-state actors, and particularly private business,” said Mr Blackbeard. ENDS