17 Feb 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi met Minister President of the Government of Flanders, Mr Jan Jambon on the sidelines of the 6th European Union-African Union summit in Belgium yesterday.

The two leaders leaders discussed possible areas of cooperation in the space of innovation, research and development.

Dr  Masisi used the opportunity to appeal to Flanders to support Botswana’s bid to host the Kimberly Process secretariat, which unites diamond trading states, civil society and industry in promoting ethical diamond trade and reducing the flow of conflict diamonds.

Botswana being the largest producer of diamonds by value is in a better position to host the important institution, looking at its good record of prudent management of diamonds, adherence to ethical mining of diamonds, as well as a long standing policy of using diamonds for development.

President Masisi also held bilateral talks with chancellor of Austria, Mr Karl Nehammer.