Venson-Moitoi defends Botswanas foreign policy

54598,Goitsemodimo Kaelo,php4B2C.tmp.jpg, | Sunday May 1, 2016 00:00

When commenting on the Consolidated and Development Funds Estimates 2016/17 Committee of Supply for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Venson-Moitoi defended government on its recent remarks on the South China Sea conflict and other criticism that Botswana swims against the tide in international matters.

She said that many countries view Botswana as a beacon of peace and stability and as such when the country talks, the world listens.

“We have achieved a lot in 50 years that a lot have not achieved. Botswana has achieved a lot since independence and as such when we talk the world listens. But we never talk outside diplomatic channels. People are saying we should have a codified foreign policy but we say we cannot do that because the world around us is not rigid,” she said. She refuted claims that Botswana has rubbed China the wrong way when it made a statement with regard to their recent South China Sea conflict saying, “China is amongst Botswana’s most favoured nations.”

Venson-Moitoi said building strong relations with other countries means being free to advice, applaud and question their actions. She said Botswana’s vote is equal to the United States of America’s single vote at the United Nations regardless of the differences in economic status. She indicated that Botswana continues to contribute to efforts aimed at bringing a lasting solution to the political and security challenges around the world.

She said Botswana also continues to play an active role in contributing to the international efforts aimed at advancing the global agenda, particularly in areas such as the promotion of human rights, good governance, respect for the rule of law, sustainable development and the maintenance of international peace and security hence its commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The minister was responding to comments from other Members of Parliament who expressed concern that government’s policy on attacking other states is risky as the country may be isolated from the rest of the world.

Tati West MP, Biggie Butale, had challenged the minister to urgently formulate a foreign policy document that will dictate how the country conducts its foreign relations. Butale said the country should export one of its national principles, Therisanyo, to the rest of the world.

MP for Gaborone Central, Phenyo Butale, said the government has lost a pragmatic approach based on real politics to a disastrous one on foreign relations. He said often many times the country releases statements and later gets embarrassed by its remarks.

“This rooftop diplomacy is going to harm this country. We will always find ourselves in a difficult position. We have lost touch with ideals that guide our foreign policy,” he said.

“We are a small country but we want our voice to be heard, by who?” he asked rhetorically.

MP for Francistown South, Wynter Mmolotsi, said there is need for reflection and introspection to see how we relate with other countries. He said Botswana as a small country should not copy what other developed countries are doing as it brings many problems. He stated that by making statements about other foreign countries the government is “punching above its weight”.