VICTORIA, Seychelles, The Seychelles-Botswana relations are bound to be consolidated and intensified in the future, pointed out Ambassador Claude Morel after presenting his letters of credence to the President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, on Tuesday February 13, 2024 in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape. The presentation of credentials marks the formal start of Ambassador Morel’s tenure in Botswana and opens a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries. Both leaders expressed optimism about the potential for greater collaboration.
The two middle-income countries disposing of a relatively high standard of prosperity in Africa share common values, principles and aspirations in their development strategies for the greater good of their respective peoples. Ambassador Morel noted that both countries have much to gain from closer cooperation, given their shared commitment to good governance and sustainable development. The two leaders used the occasion to discuss areas of mutual interest and to lay the groundwork for future initiatives.
Seychelles and Botswana are poised to build on previous achievements, particularly in the education sector, where over 80 teachers graduated from the University of Botswana in recent years, and where some 15 teachers from Botswana were deployed to Seychelles to occupy posts in various primary and secondary schools. This exchange of educators has enriched the school system in both countries and has created lasting institutional linkages. Both governments have expressed interest in expanding these exchanges.
Other sectors of cooperation include tourism, trade, police, aquaculture, fisheries, and in governance where the anti-corruption agencies of both countries could build linkages and partnerships. Ambassador Morel noted that there is significant potential for collaboration in these areas, which would benefit businesses and citizens in both countries. The two sides agreed to explore these opportunities further in the coming months.
From the regional perspective, both countries share the common desire to pursue regional integration within the agenda and framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Ambassador Morel met with the acting executive secretary of SADC, Dr Judith Kateera, at the organisation’s headquarters, with whom he had an exchange on the Seychelles-SADC relations. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss how Seychelles can play a more active role in regional initiatives.
