Africa-Press – Botswana. The commitment and dedication of the EU and individual EU member states to Botswana’s socio-economic development and upliftment of the living standards of its people is unquestionable, says the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
Dr Kwape was speaking during the Botswana-EU partnership dialogue in Gaborone on Thursday and cited the multi-annual indicative programme that was launched in November 2022, which he said was as a clear demonstration of commitment.
He observed that if effectively implemented, it could make a significant contribution to government’s efforts of transforming the country to a high-income knowledge-based economy by 2036.
“Through this programme, which is scheduled to run until 2027, Botswana’s dream of attaining sustainable renewable energy using local resources, digital transformation, increased trade and foreign direct investment will be realised,” he said.
Dr Kwape also said the dialogue accorded Botswana and EU an opportunity to share ideas on how to effectively enhance their strategic partnership, to achieve mutually beneficial socio-economic and political development.
He said it was, therefore, critical that the two parties used the dialogue to effectively assess and monitor progress in implementing their commitments and to identify all impediments to their progress for intervention and success.
“It is critical that we also use such platforms to candidly exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern, and propose relevant solutions as we deem necessary. As responsible members of the international community in high standing, we are compelled to make a contribution, no matter how small, to the promotion of peace and security throughout the world,” he said.
Dr Kwape said that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine conflict, the negative effects of climate change and other global issues of concern, required joint efforts in coming up with effective strategies to resolve them.
He therefore, assured the EU and EU member states to Botswana that government stood ready to work closely with them and other like-minded countries to resolve these global problems that were slowing economic progress and frustrating efforts aimed at uplifting the living standards of people.
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