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Botswana, Angola focus on reviving diamond demand

IN TALKS: Kenewendo and Azevedo met on Friday in Gaborone. PIC: MINISTRY OF MINERALS FACEBOOK
IN TALKS: Kenewendo and Azevedo met on Friday in Gaborone. PIC: MINISTRY OF MINERALS FACEBOOK

The minerals ministers of Botswana and Angola met on Friday, pledging to redouble their efforts to resuscitate global demand for natural diamonds, in the spirit of partnership.

The two countries, which are the continent’s leading producers of diamonds, recently announced that they are both seeking majority stakes in De Beers, the diamond giant in which Anglo American is selling its 85% stake.

However, following a meeting in Gaborone, Minerals and Energy minister, Bogolo Kenewendo and her Angolan counterpart, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, said they were “perfectly aligned” in their positions on the De Beers stake.

Editor's Comment
Warm relations must not come at the expense of fair trade

“I believe that free but fair trade isan absolute imperative”– John E. JamesFor two countries bound by geography, history and deep economic ties, periods of diplomatic strain serve neither side well. President Duma Boko’s efforts to restore momentum to relations with Pretoria deserve recognition, particularly at a time when Southern Africa faces shared challenges ranging from sluggish economic growth and unemployment to energy security...

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