10/06/2026
REMARKS BY HONOURABLE DR. PHENYO BUTALE
MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF RUSSIA DAY
HOSTED BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR ANDREY KEMARSKIY
AMBASSADOR OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
> Your Excellency, Mr. Andrey Kemarskiy, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Botswana;
>Your Excellency, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and Ambassador of the Republic Zimbabwe, H.E Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro;
>Your Excellencies, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International organizations;
>Members of the Media;
>Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
Dumelang!! A very good evening to you all!
I am pleased to join Your Excellency, and all distinguished guests this evening as we celebrate the 36th Anniversary of Russia Day.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Botswana, I extend warm congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of the Russian Federation on this important national occasion. Russia Day is not only a celebration of national identity and statehood, but also an opportunity to reflect on Russia's enduring role in shaping regional and global affairs.
Your Excellency, Distinguished Guests,
This occasion provides an opportune moment to reflect on the longstanding friendship and cooperation that have characterized relations between Botswana and the Russian Federation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in March 1970. The opening of the Russian diplomatic mission in Botswana in 1976 further cemented this relationship and laid a firm foundation for sustained engagement between our two countries.
As we look ahead, the year 2026 will mark the 56th Anniversary of Botswana-Russia relations, a testament to the resilience, mutual respect, and goodwill that have underpinned our partnership over the decades. Significantly, Botswana also looks forward to opening its diplomatic mission in Moscow, a milestone that will deepen diplomatic engagement, facilitate economic cooperation, and create new avenues for collaboration between our peoples and institutions.
Botswana regards its relationship with the Russian Federation as one that holds considerable strategic promise. Beyond the traditional areas of cooperation, there exists substantial potential to expand engagement in sectors critical to Botswana's economic transformation agenda, including agro-processing, food security, mining beneficiation, renewable energy, innovation, skills development, industrialization, and technology transfer.
These opportunities align closely with Botswana's aspirations under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, which seeks to diversify the economy, strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, promote value-chain development, and enhance national competitiveness. We believe that deeper economic cooperation between our countries can contribute meaningfully to these objectives while creating mutually beneficial opportunities for trade and investment.
Allow me also to express Botswana's sincere appreciation for the Russian Federation's longstanding technical assistance and capacity-building support. Over the years, Russian cooperation has contributed significantly to the development of skills and institutional capacity across a number of sectors, complementing Botswana's national development priorities.
We recognize that participation in some cooperation programmes has declined in recent years, largely due to fiscal constraints and the challenges associated with co-financing certain initiatives. Nevertheless, Botswana remains committed to preserving and expanding access to strategic training and capacity-building opportunities. In this regard, we welcome innovative and cost-effective approaches, including the increased utilization of digital and virtual platforms, to sustain cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Your Excellency,
I remain confident that the full potential of Botswana-Russia relations has yet to be realized. Through sustained dialogue, stronger institutional linkages, and enhanced private-sector engagement, we can unlock new areas of collaboration that serve the interests of both nations and peoples.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Botswana continues to uphold a principled foreign policy anchored on respect for international law, peaceful coexistence among nations, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These principles have guided Botswana's positions in the multilateral fora, including the United Nations, where our actions remain firmly rooted in the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
In March this year, I had the opportunity to engage with my counterpart, His Excellency Mr. Sergey Lavrov, on matters of mutual concern, including the welfare and safety of Batswana who may find themselves affected by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This engagement reflects the value of maintaining open channels of communication even amidst complex international circumstances.
Today, perhaps more than ever, the international community is reminded of the indispensable role of diplomacy in addressing conflict and preserving international peace and security. While dialogue may often be gradual and demanding, it remains the most durable pathway towards mutual understanding, confidence-building, and sustainable peace.
Ambassador Kemarskiy, Botswana values the constructive engagements we have maintained regarding developments surrounding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We join the international community, as well as the peoples of Russia and Ukraine, in expressing hope for a just, peaceful, and lasting resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
As friends and partners in the international community, we encourage all parties to continue pursuing avenues for peaceful settlement, reconciliation, and de-escalation. The preservation of human life, dignity, and development opportunities must remain our collective priority. In this regard, Botswana is guided by the wisdom of a timeless Setswana proverb: "Ntwa kgolo, keya molomo"โa reminder that restraint, dialogue, and wisdom are often the greatest instruments of peace.
Distinguished Guests,
Botswana looks forward to participating in the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow later this year. Building upon the positive outcomes of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held in Egypt in December 2025, Botswana remains committed to strengthening cooperation with the Russian Federation across key sectors, including mining, agriculture, renewable energy, education, science and technology, innovation, infrastructure development, and human capital development.
As Africa and Russia continue to redefine the contours of their partnership in a rapidly changing global environment, Botswana stands ready to contribute meaningfully to a relationship founded on mutual respect, shared interests, and sustainable development.
In closing, allow me to reaffirm Botswana's commitment to working closely with the Russian Federation to further deepen our friendship, broaden economic cooperation, and advance mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our respective peoples.
Once again, I extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of the Russian Federation on this joyous national occasion.
I thank you.
Your Excellency, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
May I now invite you to join me in raising a toast,
To the continued good health of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation,
To the enduring friendship, solidarity, and fruitful cooperation between the Republic of Botswana and the Russian Federation, and
To international peace and security.
I thank you for your attention.
P**A!
