24 May 2022

Government has decided to invest in real estate in countries hosting Botswana high commission, embassy and consulate offices.

This was revealed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape during the official opening of the country’s chancery office in Geneva, Switzerland, at the weekend. 

In an interview with BOPA, Dr Kwape said government made the decision as a means of saving on rentals and minimizing costs incurred by the public purse.

“Government has sought to build or purchase property not just in Geneva, but across the foreign missions in the 23 countries where we have representation across the world,” Dr Kwape stated.

Owning fixed property that appreciated in value was better than paying rent, explained the minister. 

He said having permanent property would also assist Botswana’s diplomatic engagement as the country communicated the salient point of its long term commitment to international relations. 

“This communicates that we are here to stay,” Dr Kwape said. 

Saying Botswana had been paying rent in Geneva for over 20 years, he noted that the country now had its own chancery for  its  Permanent Mission to the UN’s Geneva headquarters and Switzerland embassy. 

“Since the President (Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi) had come to Switzerland for the important gatherings of the World Health Organisation and the World Economic Forum we took advantage to have him officially open the chancery,” Dr Kwape said.

Botswana partnered with Namibia, Ghana, Kenya and the Philippines, which have adjacent chanceries, in the construction of the office block. 

Dr Kwape said other than being a symbol of international cooperation, it eased the process of construction. 

“Our mission at Geneva is important as it links us to the UN as well may international organisations based in Switzerland, such as the International Labour Organisation and others,” Dr Kwape said. 

He said the country’s voice needed to be heard and insights felt on the global stage. Ends