02 Sep 2024

Offering support to another country by showcasing a nation’s commitment and goodwill from a diplomatic relations perspective is significant in strengthening bilateral relationships. 

Answering a question in Parliament on August 30, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Dr Lemogang Kwape said support could manifest in various forms, among them development aid, cultural exchange programmes or direct investments, all of which he said contributed to building trust and fostering cooperation. 

Moreover, Dr Kwape said providing support could influence political alliances while elevating a country’s geopolitical standing. 

“By extending aid, a nation may gain leverage in international negotiations, facilitating the achievement of its foreign policy objectives. These gestures promote people-to-people connections that foster greater understanding and cooperation between nations. These examples illustrate the multifaceted benefits that can arise from acts of support, emphasising the potential impact of our own gestures on diplomatic relations,” he said. 

On one hand, he said in keeping with cultural values and the spirit of good neighbourliness, Botswana had a longstanding tradition of offering humanitarian assistance, particularly to her neighbours during times of pressing need, whether due to natural disaster or other urgent circumstances. 

“Botswana has continued its practice of offering solidarity and solace and earlier this year under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the country expressed its solidarity by joining other Heads of State and government attending the memorial service and funeral of the late President of the Republic of Namibia Dr Hage Geingob. This act underscored our commitment to humanitarian assistance, and reflect the broader principles of diplomacy that emphasise support for nations in distress,” he added. 

Again, Minister Kwape said in 2019, Botswana donated 21 tonnes worth of food items, water, toiletry and boats to Malawi, following cyclone Freddy devastation which left over 500 people dead and 300 missing, whilst hundreds had been displaced. 

“In equal measure, Botswana also donated to Mozambique, food items, water, toiletry and boats, following similar devastation from the same cyclone Freddy. Both these countries are SADC members and we have very good bilateral relations with them,” he said. 

He further said Namibia was a good neighbour and the late President Dr Geingob had through his life, expended efforts aimed at building his country and adding value to the neighbourhood which in Botswana was resolute to continue embracing ceaselessly. 

He also informed Parliament that the computed tangible assistance rendered by Botswana during the event was 42 vehicles and 20 motorbikes and 57 personnel providing protection, drivers and support services. 

Nkange MP, Dr Never Tshabang, had requested for an update on the amount government had spent on the funeral proceedings of the late Namibian President. The MP also wanted to know whether it was of diplomatic (relations) interest for a country to spend an amount on the others. 

Dr Tshabang also asked the minister to state the resources used such as the number of vehicles, motorbikes and human resources. Ends