03 Dec 2024

Botswana is steadfast in enhancing relations with strategic partners to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and significantly improve the lives of Batswana.

Addressing Resident Diplomatic Missions in a Meet and Greet session at Phakalane Golf Estate, Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale emphasised the importance of deepening political and economic cooperation across all sectors and reinforcing bilateral ties.

The event, he said, was an introductory engagement with heads of diplomatic missions and foreign envoys resident in Botswana.

“This re-evaluation of our foreign policy priorities is significant in enabling us to become proactive partners within the international community advocating for individuals and communities whose voices might otherwise remain unheard,” he said.

He said the government steadfast commitment to multiculturalism and a rule-based international system places diplomacy and dialogue as essential instruments of attaining peaceful resolutions and promoting global peace and security.

“Our commitments to attracting greater foreign direct investments and broadening market access for local products remains resolute, especially through initiatives designed to generate employment opportunities for our youth,” he said, adding that under President Advocate Duma Boko's leadership, the government was committed to a foreign policy that was rooted on democracy, good governance, justice, respect for human rights as well as international peace and security.

Dr Butale said the recent maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Boko outlined challenges faced by the new government and strategies to be employed to address them.

Regarding the government withdrawal from hosting the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked and Developing Countries (LLDC) scheduled for December 10-13, was made in response to a pressing need to reassess certain expenditures and commitments.

Dr Butale said the adjustments were aimed to adjust their vision with economic realities enabling them to effectively deliver on their promises to the people while remaining committed to bilateral, regional and multilateral obligations.

Dr Butale said President Boko's focus on economic diplomacy was particularly important and timely as the country was navigating the intricacy of the changing global economy.

In addressing youth unemployment, Dr Butale said government was dedicated to actively pursue economic diplomacy, entailing strategic outreach to foreign investors interested in not only seizing opportunities in Botswana, but also investing in the development of local industries and job creation.

He said securing market access for Botswana's exports would be the cornerstone of the economic diplomacy strategy, which included navigating trade agreements and fostering relationships with other countries to facilitate export of locally produced goods such as beef, textiles and various agricultural products.

He added that the government was also focused on accelerating economic diversification drive efforts beyond diamonds by promoting such sectors as tourism, renewable energy, technology and manufacturing.

Furthermore, Dr Butale said engaging in multilateral workshops such as SADC, AU, Non-Aligned Movements and the UN would be essential to government efforts and offer the country opportunity to participate in collective decision-making and foster collaboration on common challenges.

“Our mandate as the Ministry of International Relations is both clear and vital to the wellbeing of our nation. We are entrusted with the responsibility to promote Botswana's national interests on the global stage through strategic engagements with other countries and international organisations,” said Dr Butale.

He said as global challenges ranging from economic fluctuation and public health crisis to climate change and security threats, were becoming more complex, Botswana must effectively navigate the dynamics to ensure her voice was heard and her interests safeguarded.

Dr Butale said his ministry was committed to fostering genuine and productive relationships with both bilateral and multilateral partners. He said Botswana was not only advocating for her priorities, but also actively participating in dialogues that shaped international policies.

He said through diplomacy, the country was able to influence decisions that impacted on its economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability, thereby enhancing national security and prosperity.

Furthermore, Dr Butale said strategic engagements were designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote collaboration to address shared challenges.  By partnering with other nations, Dr Butale said the country will leverage its expertise and experience to enrich development strategies.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Angola and Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Dr Beatriz Morais said the meeting was an opportunity for all envoys to interact and have effective communication with the Ministry of International Relations. Dr Morais said working together would go a long-way in making sure that Botswana achieved the desired result in both bilateral and multilateral relations.

She said working together would facilitate democracy, peace, stability, good governance and human rights as well as reinforce and consolidate bonds of friendship and cooperation among the countries and international organisations.

For his part, deputy permanent secretary, Bilateral Diplomacy, Mr Clifford Maribe said his ministry through its foreign policy was determined to support socio-economic endeavours.

Mr Maribe said he was looking forward to working closely with resident diplomatic missions to help the government deliver on its promises to the nation.

He said the gathering was an opportunity to share perspectives on issues of mutual interest and bilateral relations. Ends