19 Jul 2022

Celebrating the French National Day is a sign of liberty, equality and democracy as well as the existence of primary political values between Botswana and France.

Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng said this at a reception that France Ambassador to Botswana, Ms Laurence Beau hosted at in Gaborone, to celebrate the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day, recently.

Mr Morwaeng said the French National Day, celebrated on July 14, was not only meant for the people of France, but the entire humanity as it also symbolised freedom, peace and unity.

As for the local celebration, the minister said also intended to look back on the shared history between France and Botswana and further reiterate the importance of beneficial relations between the two countries.

He said it was also a true reflection of excellent and beneficial relations that the two countries had had and continued to enjoy since the establishment of their diplomatic relations more than half a century ago.

“The solid and reliable friendship has guided the two countries on their endeavour to achieve closer collaboration and cooperation for mutual economic and political success,” the minister said.

He, therefore, applauded the French government and its people for the development assistance and technical support that it had over the past years continuously rendered to Botswana.

Mr Morwaeng also said the two countries would continue to work closely together in their quest for sustainable development and uplifting people’s living standards.

For her part, Ambassador Beau explained that the French National Day originated from Bastille Day, a national holiday that commemorated the storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789 and marked the beginning of the French revolution.

She also explained that Bastille was [built in the 14^th century as a fortress in Paris and used in the 17^th–18^th centuries as a state] prison - a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis XVI’s ancient regime.

“By capturing this symbol, the people signalled that the king’s power was no longer absolute. 

Power should be based on the nation and be limited by a separation of powers,” she said.

Ms Beau further explained that July 14 had become a major public holiday.

She said the celebration was also a symbol of peace between Botswana and France and it aimed to create and promote exchanges, especially around youth and culture.

“Despite the difficult times of COVID-19 the last two years have been filled with very fruitful development in the bilateral relations between France and Botswana,” she said.

Meanwhile, Botswana and France will, this year, celebrate the 55^th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which are rich, trustful, diversified and based on shared values of respect for the rule of law, democracy and multi-lateralism. Ends