15 Jun 2026

Spanning 56 years back, both countries have enjoyed a jointly exclusive consular relationship that has significantly complemented Botswana’s key national priorities through the development of technical skills and institutional capacity.

The Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale testified on the key values of the 56-year-old friendship that both countries have enjoyed.

“Over the decades, our partnership has been underpinned by goodwill,

resilience and mutual respect, creating new avenues for our people and institutions,” he said.

Speaking at an occasion to mark 36th anniversary of Russia Day recently, Dr Butale further reiterated how the cooperation would create beneficial opportunities for trade and investment by strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, promoting value chain development and enhancing national competitiveness.

Botswana joined Russia in celebrating its 36th National Day in Gaborone, to honour

the struggles, triumphs and historical milestones following the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty in 1990.

To Russia, the day embodies a journey of a state which while honouring its rich history and multi-ethnic culture, embraces the complexchallenges of multi-polarity and emergence of transformation in the geopolitical landscape.

Beyond the traditional areas of collaboration, Dr Butale said the bilateral relationship held potential to expand engagement in strategic sectors that were critical to Botswana’s transformation agenda including renewable energy, agro-processing, food security, innovation and skills development.

According to Mr Andrey Kemarskiy, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Botswana, Russia consistently advocates for consideration of African interests in international platforms and attaches importance to strengthening friendship ties with African countries, supporting their course in attaining total sovereignty in key sectors.

“We stand ready to continue sharing with Africa advanced expertise in strengthening minerals, energy, food, financial and digital sovereignty as our contribution toward restoration of historical justice through mutual respect, non-interference to internal affairs for the development of a mutually beneficial cooperation.” he said.

Both countries embrace a rich portfolio of 11 bilateral documents while 14 more were underway including interstate treaties, intergovernmental agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. ENDS