28 Mar 2023

Minister for State President, Mr Kabo Morwaeng says economic diplomacy remains critical to Botswana’s foreign policy objectives.

 Minister Morwaeng said as one of the ministries tasked with finding suitable investors to grow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to value the goodwill of honourary consuls who played a valuable role in contributing to FDI.

Presenting the ministry’s 2023/2024 financial year budget proposals on behalf of foreign affairs minister recently, Mr Morwaeng said from over P727 million and over P215 million under the recurrent budget development allocations respectively, Mr Morwaeng said the ministry was determined to be more resolute and focused with smart spending on increasing leads to grow the economy.

“The ministry is keen on seeking opportunities for Batswana and would, in the next budget cycle, be more resolute and focused in positioning Botswana as a respected and influential player in global affairs,” he said.

Conversely, Mr Morwaeng said there was need to invest in efforts to strengthen cultural, social and political ties with Botswana diaspora.

To that regard, he stated that the ministry was developing comprehensive diaspora engagement policy in order to strengthen dialogue and opportunities for Batswana in the diaspora.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is instrumental in promoting Botswana’s image abroad as an influential player on the bilateral and global platform,” he said.

He said some of the notable achievements included the public diplomacy strategies that were employed to popularise Botswana foreign policy objectives.

The public diplomacy strategy, he said included national branding techniques that underscored Botswana’s positive image and reputation as a country that was committed to democratic values, rule of law and sustainable development.

“Of particular note is that Botswana is globally renowned as a champion of democracy and good governance. Through participation at respective high level international meetings, the country’s story of using diamonds for development is promoted hence the achievement of a significant milestone in winning the bid to host the Kimberly process secretariat,” he said.

Again, he said Botswana’s active participation in multilateral debates had ensured that the country shared its developmental experience while at the same time learning from its peers.

Mr Morwaeng indicated that concerted efforts to promote Botswana’s positive image and reputation abroad had contributed towards having the country ranked among the top 60 countries out of 200 on the 2022 Global Nation Branding Index. ENDS