24 Mar 2015

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson- Moitoi says she is confident that Botswana will continue benefitting from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Russia.

The two countries have had diplomatic relations for more than four decades and signed a Protocol on Political Consultations in December 2002.  Companies from Russia have invested in Botswana through those relations.

Welcoming a delegation from Russia in Gaborone on  March 23, which was in the country for a three-day political consultations between the two countries, Dr Venson-Moitoi said Botswana had benefitted from its diplomatic ties with Russia over many years.

She explained that Botswana has received FDI in the diamond industry from Russian companies, which helped in employment creation in this country.

“This visit underscores the commitment of Russia in continuing to work with Botswana.  I hope it will help to increase foreign direct investment coming from Russia to Botswana, which will help in creating more employment opportunities in Botswana,” Dr Venson- Moitoi said.

The Russia delegation was led by the deputy minister of foreign affairs, Mr Mikhail Bolgodov, who is also the Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and Africa. Dr Venson- Moitoi also said Botswana appreciates assistance from Russia in many areas, including education, health and mining.

She said Botswana had benefitted from training opportunities in the form of scholarships from Russia, while the health sector had benefited from doctors from the Asian country.

Mr Bolgodov assured the minister that Russia would continue assisting Botswana in the training of skilled personnel.  He also said more Russian companies had shown intentions of investing in Botswana. ENDS