16 Aug 2020

Diamond beneficiation has been identified as a critical part of Botswana high commissioner designate to India, Mr Gilbert Mangole’s assignment.

   Bidding Mr Mangole farewell in Gaborone on August 14, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi  told him to work on advancing the country’s interests especially diamond beneficiation.  

  India, he noted, was among the leading consumers of Botswana diamonds. 

“We have the resource in diamonds, India has the finance and skills and, therefore, your primary role will be to explore the diamond value chain by identifying all the potential opportunities for our mineral,” the    President said. 

He said with a huge population, India was an important partner in advancing the interest of the country towards growing its economy.

The President said the two countries’ relations were aligned by their development agendas.

He said the relations extended to among others education, human and social development, technology and innovation and foreign policy.

As a country advanced in Information and Communications Technology, India was an important partner for Botswana.

He, therefore, expressed hope that India will assist Botswana to be at par with the demands of the 4th industrial revolution.

Dr Masisi expressed confidence that Mr Mangole had the requisite skills and talent to serve in a foreign land.

 “I hope with your expertise and ability that you have, particularly in the field of economics, you will advance Botswana’s interests,” he said.

He expressed delight that Mr Mangole had despite their political differences acceded to his request of serving the nation.

Commenting, Mr Mangole said President Masisi had shown trust in him. 

Mr Mangole assured that he would do his best in executing the assigned mandate.ends