Africa-Press – Botswana. The Philippines has reopened its consulate in Botswana following a temporary closure in March 2022.
Speaking at the event to mark the reopening of the consulate in Gaborone Monday, Philippines Ambassador based in Pretoria South Africa, Ms Noralyn Jubaira Baja said the reopening was meant to ensure that the Philippines continued its presence in Botswana, with a trajectory of the bilateral relationship between the two countries bright and promising.
She said the consulate’s primary responsibilities would be assisting Filipino nationals residing in Botswana, stating that the assistance and engagement with its nationals was a fundamental pillar of Philippine foreign policy.
Ms Baja said new the Consul, Ms Anniline Vista would be tasked to promote Philippine interests in the host country through trade, investment, tourism and socio-cultural cooperation, as well as help foster greater linkages and interaction between the Filipino and Batswana through the facilitation of consular services and people to people interaction.
She said her appointment came at a crucial time when both the Philippines and Botswana were deepening their ties, which dates back to February 06 1967, when the two countries established their diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Baja said both countries were currently pursuing discussions on possible cooperation in areas such as foreign policy consultations, human resource development, and migration policy, technical cooperation in agriculture and visa reciprocal arrangements.
“With the support of Consul Vista, the embassy hopes that these bilateral initiatives will be brought to fruition and that new areas of cooperation will be identified for the mutual benefit of both sides. Notwithstanding the demands and challenges of the job, we are confident that Ms Vista will rise to the occasion and be pivotal in ensuring that bilateral relations grow from strength to strength,” she said.
For her part, Ms Vista said the formal reopening of the Philippine Consulate in Gaborone symbolised more than the unveiling of a new office, but represented a bridge of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations.
She further said the consulate would serve as a vital link, not only between the two governments, but also between two peoples, cultures and countless shared aspirations.
“We hope to foster deeper collaborations through cultural and economic exchanges, the Philippines and Botswana share a rich heritage of resilience, artistry and hospitality qualities that could further unite us through mutual appreciation and celebration, “she said.
Ms Vista stated that on the cultural front, they look forward to showcasing Filipino art, films and cuisine while embracing the traditions and artistry of Botswana.
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