Honorable Ministers and assistant ministers
Your Excellency the Ambassador of the Czech Republic
Your Excellency, the Head of the EU delegation to Botswana
Your Excellencies Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations here present
Permanent secretaries here present
Your Eminence the Bishop of the Greek orthodox Church in Botswana
The Vice Chancellor of Botswana
All other Distinguished Guests, dignitaries, Ladies and Gentleman
Dumelang, dobry vecer, good evening and welcome:
1. This occasion is historic as it marks the official opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in the Republic of Botswana. For me it is also a great honor and privilege to be appointed as the honorary consul of the Czech Republic to Botswana.
2. I thank you madam Ambassador for your encouraging words about impending opportunities for our two countries which are progressive democracies in Africa and Europe, and their endeavors to establish partnerships, share ideals and values and develop friendships.
3. It is worth noting that the Czech Republic and the Republic of Botswana have embraced the concept of international responsibility and a common destiny which serves as a major catalyst to the political and economic stability in the EU and the SADC region where both countries are playing important roles.
4. When I was preparing this speech I consulted my honorable friend his Grace Musonda Trevor Mwamba the Anglican Bishop of Botswana. He said to me: “Branko my son! Your speech needs to be educational, joyful, and inspiring, reasonably long because you are a Professor, but not too long like your lectures at the University because you shall not test the important guests after the speech”! So focus on: a.) examining the relationships between the two countries, b.) their similarities, c.) areas of cooperation, d.) the significance of the opening of the consulate, and e.) the role of the consulate.
5. Madam Ambassador as already ably addressed some of these points and I shall draw your attention at three points, namely: similarities, areas of cooperation, and the role of the consulate.
Similarities
On the first point of similarities, based on 20 years of experience living and working in Botswana, as well as 5 years of cooperating with the Czech Republic I can confidently say the following:
6. Both countries are involved in production of shiny products. The ladies ‘best friend’ and the industrial machinery “diamonds” are produced in Botswana, while a beautiful amber jewelry, precise machinery, and the best world renowned crystal are fashioned in the Czech Republic. It is logical indeed to cooperate in these areas.
7. In both countries people like to eat meat. The usual meat diet in Botswana is based on the fresh meat, whilst in the Czech Republic in addition to fresh meat products there is an enormous variety of processed meat products. This could be a great opportunity for Botswana to consider introducing a meat processing industry.
8. In both countries beer is a favorite drink. Actually, we may soon witness Botswana and the Czech Republic as emerging beer countries easily competing with Germany, Ireland and Belgium. I see a great opportunity for Botswana brewery to introduce a Plzen range of beer products. Some of Botswana medical students studying there can easily witness and certify about the quality of product. I have been always asked by prospective candidates why we don’t send all of them to Plzen.
9. People in Botswana like to drive nice cars. Unfortunately these cars are quite expensive. The Czechs were always good in manufacturing of reasonably priced cars of good quality. The SKODA is brand name and is now manufactured in cooperation with the German Volkswagen.
10. In both countries soccer is a very popular sport. The Czechs have been very successful in the international arena and Botswana too as attested recently by their qualification to Africa Cup of Nations. Both countries are using national coaches of Slavic origin. The Botswana national team is progressing since the engagement of Mr Jelusic a Serbian Slav several years ago. He has opened a new chapter in Botswana soccer history.
11. In both countries tourism is one of the prominent sectors. The Czechs are proud on their urban and cultural tourism which puts the capital Prague on the world map of places that one must to see. While Botswana encourages eco-tourism and visits to its “green jewel of Africa”, the Okavango Delta. I assume that two countries can cooperate enormously learning from their successful stories.
12. In addition when talking about similarities, it is also important to mention that both countries are very active in:
· Implementation of rural development programmes
· Industrial research and development
· Innovations across the sectors
· Integrations into the EU and the SADC research areas
· Developing strategies for international clients based on local and global knowledge
· Protection of investments
· Diversifying investments incentives
Areas of co-operation
13. Now, the second point is on areas of co-operation. The current focus of Botswana’s cooperation with the Czech Republic is in the area of university education that is compatible with the European Development Fund (EDF) initiatives as was pointed out during the celebration of the EU day. Further development of the education sector will continue to serve as a vehicle for the development of Botswana’s economy. In this regard, the Czech assistance in this area resonates with Botswana development plans and vision 2016 objectives.
14. After an intensive series of meeting that Ambassador had today and it is expected to continue tomorrow there is an ample space in exploring other sectors such as:
· Health
· Manufacturing and vocational trades
· Industrial production of glass, crystal and leather products
· Transportation and control systems
· Car assembling
· Agriculture, food and meat production
· Coal mining and alternative energy sources
· Cultural and eco-tourism
15. Botswana as a member of the African Caribbean and Pacific – ACP Group and the SADC and the Czech Republic as a member of EU and VISEGRAD group have also opened up avenues for regional collaboration and integration in many areas which include poverty eradication, environment protection, economic development, democracy, governance as well as cross-cutting issues, such as gender equality, the fight against HIV/AIDS, human rights and climate change.
16. I am thrilled that Botswana and the Czech Republic have embarked on diversifying economic, political and bilateral cooperation. As madam Ambassador rightly pointed out, the recent frequent contacts between the Honorable Minister Phandu Skelemani and Mr Karel Schwarzenberg is a welcome development and may help in this regard.
The role of the consulate
17. The third and final point I draw your attention to is the role of the consulate. I am expecting that activity around this office and the CZ Embassy in Pretoria, will further contribute in diversifying cooperation between the two countries and their regional partners. Suggestions about areas given by madam Ambassador and myself need to be worked out with all potential stakeholders and partners from both sides.
18. When someone visits the office of the Honorary Consulate he or she will be more than welcome and may expect to receive assistance related to:
· education and research
· business and investment opportunities and how to link the Czech trade promotion agency (CZECHTRADE) with the Botswana Investment and trade Centre (BITC formerly BEDIA)
· the Czech tourism destinations
· cultural exchange and schedule of events
· travelling and visa maters,
· and many more
19. I thank you for your kind attention.
20. May I now ask you to join me in drinking a toast to:-
· The personal good health of His Excellency Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama
· The personal good health of His Excellency Vaclav Claus
· The continued pursuit of those values that unite us and to International peace and prosperity.
PULA!
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