Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations (right) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Lemogang Kwape. - VT
VIENTIANE: A joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and the Republic of Botswana was signed in New York on Monday (Dec 11), building on Laos’ ties with all friendly nations and in particular bolstering cooperation between Laos and Botswana.
Laos was represented by Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Botswana by the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape, in signing the agreement.
On this momentous occasion, the two diplomats reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to further enhance their cordial bilateral relations and cooperation, and exchanges of mutual support within the United Nations framework.
This year is of particular importance as Laos is serving as a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from 2023-2025 and anticipates is assumption of the chairmanship of Asean in 2024.
The continuing establishment of diplomatic relations with friendly countries is further evidence of the Lao government’s foreign policy based on “peace, independence, friendship and cooperation”.
Laos now has diplomatic relations with 149 countries.
Located in southern Africa, the Republic of Botswana shares borders with South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Covering a total land area of 581,730 km2, some 70 percent of its territory lies within the Kalahari Desert.
The country has 17 provinces and a population of 2.7 million (2023) with Gaborone as its capital. English and the local language Tswana are widely spoken and more than 70 percent of the population adhere to the Christian religion.
Botswana gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 30, 1966, but remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
As a parliamentary representative, the Republic of Botswana has a President who serves as both Head of State and Head of Government.
The country is endowed with rich natural resources and mineral deposits. Agriculture and mining play dominant roles in its economy and key exports include copper, silver, gold, coal, precious stones, and granite. Some of its natural attractions have been registered as world heritage sites by UNESCO.
The Republic of Botswana became a member of the United Nations on October 17, 1966, and has played an active role in various UN bodies.
At the United Nations, Laos and Botswana have enjoyed long-lasting cooperation and mutual support in a wide range of areas within the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), G-77 and China, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), among others.
Over the years, Botswana has made important contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
It served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 1995-1996, the Economic-Social Council from 1983-1985, 1991-1993, 2014-2016 and 2020-2022, and was elected a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2011-2017.
Botswana recently successfully assumed Presidency of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2021-2022. - Vientiane Times/ANN
