01 Sep 2026

In his pre-event supplication prayer for the Independence Celebration of Ukraine at the Thapong Visual Arts Centre in Gaborone, Rev Mpho Moruakgomo cited the State Anthem of Ukraine, Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy i slava, i volia, that ‘the glory and freedom of Ukraine has not yet perished’.

That set the tone for an evening where 35 years of the independence of Ukraine was commemorated alongside the launch of a two-week artistic exhibition themed: Resilience: The Unbreakable Human Spirit, where Batswana visual artists have collaborated with the Embassy of Ukraine.

Speaking at the event, the Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Ms Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti highlighted Botswana’s longstanding foreign policy of a belief in multilateralism, cessation of conflict through dialogue, and the respect for territorial integrity of sovereign states.

“In this regard, Botswana consistently affirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We reiterate our call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urge all parties to seek a peaceful and durable resolution through substantive diplomatic engagement in accordance with international law,” said Ms Mophuting Dikoloti.

She further lauded the effort of the Ukraine diplomatic mission in Botswana to develop cultural and mutually beneficial people-to-people exchange initiatives. She cited the University of Botswana’s Peace Park and Cultural Centre developed in partnership with Ukraine, and the unveiling of Africa’s first monument dedicated to Taras Shevchenko, a renowned Ukrainian poet, artist, and thinker.

“Shevchenko’s legacy symbolises the aspiration for freedom, human dignity, and national identity. His renowned poem ‘Zapovit’ (Testament) has been translated into Setswana by our esteemed linguistics expert, Professor Thapelo J. Otlogetswe. This remarkable collaboration epitomises people-to-people engagement, andI am confident that similar initiatives will emerge in the future,” said Ms Dikoloti-Mophuting.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Botswana and permanent representative to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr Dr Oleksiy Syvak, also underscored the strong relations being explored between the two nations just two years after the Eastern European state set up their mission in Gaborone.

“Together, in these two short years, we have built more than I imagined possible. We opened the Ukrainian Centre, which functions as a hub for educational and cultural opportunities, and has already welcomed 10 local interns to gain practical experience,” said Dr Syvak.

He further mentioned that they had presented the Khama III Museum in Serowe with a Ukrainian-minted commemorative coin bearing the image of Botswana’s first President, Sir Seretse Khama and that a commemorative plaque of Sir Seretse also existed in Kramatorst, Ukraine.

“We are moving with big steps in educational cooperation too. The National Music Academy signed a memorandum with what will soon become Botswanas first music conservatory, at GIST Academy. Ukraine’s National University of Life and Environmental Sciences signed a cooperation agreement with Botswana’s own University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, to advance agricultural efforts here and to learn from Ukrainian farmers who feed the world,” said Dr Syvak.

He also said the Embassy of Ukraine was also launching Botswana’s first audio guide at the Botswana National Museum, narrating the stories of its exhibits in five languages, Setswana, English, Ukrainian, French, and German, developed in partnership with the Embassies of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

“For Botswana’s own 60th independence next month, I have taken on a personal project close to my heart: the first Setswana- language textbook prepared for Ukrainian learners - 300 pages into what makes Botswana, Botswana. Culture, education, science, sport, security, scholarship - thread by thread, we have been weaving something real. And I promise you: this is only the beginning,” said Ambassador Syvak. ENDS