05 Nov 2026

Botswana and Qatar have committed to accelerating negotiations and finalising the pending bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding to strengthen cooperation and unlock opportunities for economic development.

The two countries have agreed to use the inaugural Political Consultations to assess progress on existing commitments, identify challenges and explore new areas of cooperation, with the ultimate goal of translating diplomatic relations into tangible benefits.

Speaking during the inaugural session of the Botswana-Qatar Political Consultations in Gaborone on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Ambassador, Thuso Ramodimoosi, said outstanding bilateral instruments were critical to ensuring effective implementation of cooperation across key sectors. He said the two countries should accelerate negotiations and the finalisation of pending agreements and memoranda of understanding in readiness for signing, adding that a timeline should be established during the closed session.

Ambassador Ramodimoosi said the consultations marked a milestone in bilateral relations, as they operationalised the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations signed on April 15, 2019, during the state visit to Qatar by former President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

He said the mechanism provided a structured platform for dialogue, monitoring commitments, aligning strategic priorities and identifying opportunities to broaden cooperation.

He said Botswana viewed Qatar not only as a valued partner in the Gulf region but also as a strategic ally in its economic transformation agenda. 

The two countries established diplomatic relations in November 2006 and have maintained cordial relations grounded in mutual respect, good governance, multilateralism and a shared vision for sustainable development.

Mr Ramodimoosi also commended Qatar’s role in international mediation, conflict resolution and humanitarian response, particularly its efforts to facilitate peace processes in Africa and the Middle East.

He said the consultations came amid geopolitical tensions, volatile international markets and climate change, requiring collective strategies to promote peace, security and sustainable development. Meanwhile, Secretary General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed Bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, said the meeting presented an opportunity to strengthen longstanding relations and explore ways of enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

Dr Al-Hammadi observed that despite longstanding diplomatic relations and periodic exchanges of high level visits, trade volumes between Botswana and Qatar remained relatively low.

He said the discussions would therefore focus on identifying opportunities to improve trade and investment while exploring cooperation in strategic sectors, including commerce, sports and energy. 

He stressed the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation through international platforms, particularly the United Nations, while enhancing consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest.

Dr Al-Hammadi also called for effective follow-up on previously signed agreements and memoranda of understanding to ensure their implementation and prevent unnecessary delays.

He said the two countries should work towards elevating bilateral relations through a sustainable partnership anchored in mutual respect, trust and shared interests. ENDS