Khama to meet the Dalai Lama
Staff Writer | Thursday July 13, 2017 15:08
Furthermore, President Khama will meet the Dalai Lama when he is in Botswana. His attendance at the conference, for the Official opening or otherwise, will be determined by his schedule.
This is a confusing U-turn in less than 24 hours when the government denied its involvement, or that of President Khama in Dalai Lama’s visit saying it will not extend hospitality and protocol to the controversial figure.
The government had initially distanced itself from the event hosted by a Mind and Life Institute, a Non-Governmental Organisation where he is scheduled to speak about Ubuntu/Botho. It has been reported that Khama was scheduled to deliver an opening address at the conference scheduled for August 17-19, 2017.
The theme of the conference is “Dialogue with the Dalai Lama Spirituality, Science and Humanity”. In a statement issued by President Ian Khama’s office yesterday, the government said it had nothing to do with the event “In light of ongoing domestic and international media reports, the Government of Botswana wishes to reiterate that it has no official involvement in a three day conference.
In the above context, and contrary to information released by the event’s apparent organisers, “Mind and Life Institute”, H.E. the President Lt. General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama shall not be delivering the opening address at the event. Neither shall he be participating in the said conference in any other way,” the statement said.
The Office of the President further said that the Government of Botswana will not be accommodating or otherwise extending official hospitality to the Dalai Lama during the planned visit.