01 Mar 2022

France’s assistance will be more relevant now considering the challenges Botswana has experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Addressing a visiting Botswana-France Parliamentary Group in Gaborone yesterday, Dr Masisi recalled France’s assistance in the establishment of the Botswana Vaccine Institute which produced a variety of livestock vaccines.

The project was implemented at a time when the country’s cattle population was on the verge of decimation  as a result of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), he said.

He said the parliamentary delegation was visiting at a time when the country was working on achieving yet another milestone towards improving the health of its populace.

Through the support of a US-based company, Botswana was in the process of establishing a vaccine manufacturing plant, he said.

“Your help has laid a strong foundation to what we are trying to establish now,” said Dr Masisi.

Explaining that the idea of establishing the plant was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the project would not only benefit Botswana but other African nations.

On another issue, the President informed his visitors that Botswana was lobbying for hosting the Kimberly Process secretariat.

Dr Masisi said the Botswana story was centred around the diamond industry adding that the country was the world’s largest producer of diamonds by value.

He said since the French were known for elegance and style, Botswana had partnered with a France-based jewellery manufacturing company as a way of  continuing to sell its diamond story for the benefit of its people.

“Diamonds mean everything to us. We plead with you, as influential partners, to influence the European Union (EU) to allow us to develop our resource. Support Botswana in its bid to host the secretariat of the Kimberly Process,” said Dr Masisi.

Saying the French government had been a strong partner in assisting Botswana to strengthen its legislation, he stated that a number of laws were recently passed aimed at strengthening its capacity to deal with among others, money laundering.

Dr Masisi said the country was at the forefront of fighting all forms of terrorism such as in Mozambique where Botswana had deployed troops as part of a SADC peace keeping mission.

He said the Mozambique debacle was equally a challenge to France as a company of French origin operating in that country was  under threat.

President Masisi said Botswana-France relations dated back to 1967 and therefore it made sense for the two countries to collaborate at parliamentary level.

He informed the delegation that Botswana was a wonder of flora and fauna and that they had an  opportunity of a lifetime to tour the majestic Okavango Delta.

Meanwhile, the group’s president, Mr Philippe Michel–Kleisbauer said after Botswana’s recent visit to the French Parliament, it became apparent that the country desired to extend its relations with France.  

“We understand your desire to cooperate and work with France. Your letters of intent signed with companies and institutions must be realised,” he said.

Mr Michel–Kleisbauer promised that the delegation would convince the State Council on the importance of supporting Botswana’s bid to host the Kimberly Process secretariat.

The country, he said,  had long been associated with diamonds and therefore it was reasonable to benefit more from them.

He said France would equally support Botswana in its endeavour to establish a vaccine manufacturing plant.

Mr Michel – Kleisbauer said the project would not only assist the country’s growth but would also extend its cooperation with others.

He also applauded  Botswana for contributing towards fighting terrorism in SADC and strengthening its laws to do likewise in the international sphere.

Mr Michel – Kleisbauer condoled the country on the loss of soldiers engaged in the Mozambique peace keeping mission.

“Thank you for the bravery of your soldiers,” he said.

He assured the President of France and EU support for Botswana’s peace keeping efforts. Ends