11 Apr 2024

Botswana envoys have been advised to fully implement the resolutions of this year’s Heads of Mission Conference, which was held in Gaborone from April 2 to 11.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the conference themed: To Advance Botswana Towards a High Income, Inclusive and Knowledge-based Economy through Strategic Global Engagements, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Clifford Maribe highlighted the need to implement the resolutions timely.

“More importantly, you should communicate these resolutions with the respective countries that you cover, as well as your staff so that everybody can be on board concerning the expectations and standards,” Mr Maribe said.

He also emphasised the importance of sharing ideas as a team and also strengthen economic policy ties with the countries they covered to help Botswana in its pursuit of foreign direct investment and graduating to a high income country by 2036.

For her part, Dean of the Botswana diplomatic corps and permanent representative of Botswana to the United Nations and other international organisations, Dr Athaliah Molokomme termed the conference a resounding success.

“The aim of the conference is usually for heads of mission to receive renewed mandates taking into account the dynamic geopolitical environment. We received this guidance from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other stakeholders. The session was so participatory, indicating that we knew what we came here for,” Dr Molokomme said.

She said envoys were mandated to take Botswana to the world and bring the world to the country by ensuring good relations with other nations.

“This requires ensuring that the country contributes on issues of multilateralism and seeking foreign direct investment in sectors that the country has identified,” she said.

Dr Molokomme said the conference also afforded them a chance to discuss key foreign policy issues, which resulted in reaffirming the commitment to multilateralism and the spirit of the UN Charter.

She noted excursions to Lobu Smallstock Farm and Ramatlabama artificial insemination centre where the heads of missions committed to facilitating scientific and business exchanges that would contribute to value chain development in key strategic entities in the agricultural sector.

They also visited and adopted Khuis Primary School, which Dr Molokomme said would result in further initiatives to support the school with guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.

Envoys also visited Debswana Jwaneng Mine and the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project. Dr Molokomme said the outcomes of the conference would be incorporated into discussions on the ministry’s 2024-2025 annual.ENDS