06 Aug 2018

Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation says the relationship between Botswana and South Korea is made easier by the fundamental values and ideals both countries subscribe to.

Speaking at an occasion to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Botswana and South Korea, Dr Unity Dow said Botswana and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1968 and since then the countries had continued to enjoy cordial relations characterized by mutual cooperation in the economic, technical and cultural fields.

“Please accept our deepest appreciation to you and your government for arranging to jointly commemorate this important occasion with us, and for bringing the best of Korean culture, arts and dance to Botswana,” she said.

She said the celebration of the long and successful friendship between the two countries and people was a clear demonstration of the importance the countries attach to their relations.

“Your development progress has been envied by many and countries to be a model of study by economists around the world,” said Dr Dow.

She said Botswana has to date benefitted from a number of loans drawn from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of Korea and those loans had financed projects such as the construction of Serowe-Orapa road and construction of the vehicle semi knock down plant in Botswana.“

Furthermore, two private sector giants from your country, Daewoo International and POSCO Energy have been awarded tenders to build a major bridge and a power generation project respectively,” she continued.

Dr Dow said the solid relationship they had forged over the years had contributed to the increase in cultural and tourism exchanges as well as greater people to people interaction.

She said ‘as we speak, communities across Botswana are happily playing host to Korean volunteer teachers’ and the number of young Batswana who pursue studies in Korea under the study in Korea programme is on the steady increase.

“Equal enthusiasm is displayed through the utilisation of the Korean corner at the University of Botswana,” she said.

Dr Dow noted that South Korea certainly has Botswana’s gratitude for this continued investment in the country’s youth, which bodes well for the future as Botswana and would no doubt serve to deepen bilateral relationship beyond the 50 years being celebrated.

“Indeed our young people are now becoming global citizens and future leaders. Our presence here today seeks to strengthen people to people relations through music and culture,” she said.

This, she said ‘demonstrates that diplomacy does not always have to be political or economic, but that opening our hearts and minds to other cultures serves as a bridge to mutual understanding between the citizens of our respective countries.’

With the evening witnessing a mix of Botswana and Korean traditional music and dance under the theme ‘Culture Connected in Botswana,’ Dr Dow said it would no doubt deepen the appreciation of each other’s cultures and heritage and as the theme suggests, create a lasting connections and potential for further collaborative endeavours.

“Music knows no boundaries.

I have no doubt that by the end of this evening’s extravaganza; we will have learned more than we know about the Korean culture.

Similarly, to our Korean friends, I invite you to immerse yourself in our Botswana culture as expressed through our vibrant song and dance,” she concluded.

Some of the performances on the night were courtesy of Matlhogoputswa-A-Nnete Cultural Dynasty, The Korean Traditional Chamber Music Concert E-Sang, Transmission & Creation-Elegance & Dynamic by K-Arts Dance Company and there was also a Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration. ENDS