04 Nov 2026

President Advocate Duma Boko has reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, multilateralism and a rules-based international order following the accreditation of four newly appointed diplomatic envoys.

The envoys, representing the Hellenic Republic (Greece), Canada, Sri Lanka and Equatorial Guinea, presented their letters of credence to President Boko at the Office of the President.

A notable development was the accreditation of Equatorial Guinea’s Ambassador, Mr Domingo Adugu, following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in August 2026.

Welcoming the development, President Boko underscored the importance of strengthening intra-African partnerships to promote trade and economic cooperation.

“Our alignment with fellow African states is about building deep, results-driven economic corridors. We must transform our continental commitments into tangible trade assets, particularly in tourism, logistics and trade,” he said.

During his engagement with Canada’s incoming High Commissioner, Mr Jeffrey Senior, discussions centred on mining, infrastructure and capital mobilisation.

President Boko noted that Canada had been a longstanding partner in Botswana’s mining sector, adding that the two countries could explore opportunities in technology-driven industries.

“Botswana values the enduring ties we share with Canada. As we shift towards a private-sector-led economy, we are targeting high-value investments that bring technical skills and empower our people directly,” he said.

Discussions with Hellenic Republic’s Ambassador, Ms Efthalia Kakiopoulou, focused on strengthening existing relations through capital investment and tourism cooperation, with emphasis on the role of young people in driving economic prosperity.

Ms Kakiopoulou said the two countries shared common values of stability, peace and respect for the rule of law.

“I am eager to grow the relationship between Botswana and Hellenic Republic, leveraging in growing her transformation through the support of established Hellenic experts in various progressive sectors such as mining and renewable green, green energy,” she said.

Meanwhile, discussions with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner-Designate, retired Air Chief Marshal Appuhamillage Rajapaska, focused on trade diversification, textile manufacturing and exploring mutually beneficial opportunities.

President Boko said Botswana was keen to deepen cooperation with Sri Lanka, particularly in developing domestic value chains through international expertise.

“Our priority remains clear: inviting international expertise to establish robust domestic value chains,” he said.

For his part, High Commissioner Rajapaska expressed commitment to his new diplomatic assignment, saying his experience in military strategy and defence logistics would inform his approach to strengthening bilateral relations.

“Having spent decades navigating defence logistics and strategy, I bring a disciplined, results-oriented focus to this diplomatic post. I intend to direct these towards mapping out robust bilateral milestones with Botswana,” he said. ENDS