24 Feb 2025

Five envoys from Japan, Egypt, Guinea, Vietnam and New Zealand presented letters of credence to President Advocate Duma Boko in Gaborone yesterday.

Speaking during presentation of credentials to President Advocate Duma Boko, the ambassadors pledged their nations’ support to Botswana following the recent flood. 

Ambassador Shindo Yusuke of Japan extended heartfelt condolences to Botswana, acknowledging the displacement of people and the extensive damage caused by flooding.

“We are committed to strengthening and deepening our relations, and we will support Botswana in any way possible,” he said.

Mr Yusuke further expressed Japan’s interest in supporting Botswana in mineral exploration and facilitating more opportunities for Batswana students to study in Japan.  for his part Ambassador Ahmad Ali Ibrahim Sharief of Egypt also pledged substantial support, particularly in health and developmental endeavors.

He emphasised Egypt’s readiness to assist Botswana in building high-quality infrastructure, including roads, energy, and trade sector, as well as supporting the development of dams. Mr Sharief expressed his country’s commitment to continuing the growth of Botswana-Egypt bilateral relations and called on President Boko to consider opening a Botswana Embassy in Cairo.Guinea’s Ambassador, Mr Moriba Alain Kone, reiterated his country’s strong desire to deepen diplomatic ties with Botswana.He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the two countries, noting that Guinea was eager to learn from Botswana’s successful experience in the mining sector, which he believed would contribute significantly to Guinea’s development.

Welcoming Mr Hoang Sy Cuong of Vietnam, President Boko said  his presence marked the continuation of a journey that began in February 2009.

The President, who was part of a parliamentary delegation to Vietnam in 2015, said Botswana intended to learn from Vietnam regarding Foreign Direct Investment, as Vietnam was one of the countries excelling in this area. He  said Botswana could also benefit from project implementation in sectors such as infrastructure by engaging with Vietnamese companies.

Ambassador Cuong congratulated President Boko on his ascension to the presidency, adding that Vietnam had made remarkable progress in the past four decades. He expressed optimism that the two countries could share insights on policy implementation, self-reliance and explore opportunities in economic, trade and investment sectors. When welcoming New Zealand’s Ambassador, Mr Phillip Hewitt, President Boko said Botswana had renewed its commitment to overcoming corruption.

He said after receiving assistance from New Zealand around 2012, the country lost focus but was now determined to improve and adopt a more robust approach. He said that agriculture was another area for potential collaboration. Ambassador Hewitt said the two countries shared common values, including good governance, democracy and human rights, adding that agriculture was a sector where Botswana could greatly benefit. ENDS