Botswana High Commissioner on Visit to Strengthen NZ Ties

NZ Honorary Consul to Botswana Appointed and Donation Made to Christchurch

Auckland, 15 June 2011 - The Government of Botswana announced today that His Excellency Mr. Molosiwa Selepeng, the High Commissioner of Botswana, will make an official three-day visit to New Zealand from 15 to 18 June.

During his visit to New Zealand the High Commissioner of Botswana will travel to Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. His Excellency Mr. Selepeng will extend the Government of Botswana's solidarity to the Government and people of New Zealand, in particular the Canterbury region, following the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch.

His Excellency Mr. Selepeng says the Government and people of Botswana are deeply saddened by the significant loss of lives, livelihoods and infrastructure caused by natural disaster in New Zealand's second largest city.

"As soon as the mounting task of rebuilding Christchurch became known, Botswana's President, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Ian Khama Seretse Khama, donated US$50,000.00 towards the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Fund to assist the recovery efforts."

In addition, the Government of Botswana will also appoint for the first time an Honorary Consul to New Zealand as part of strengthening the closer relationship between the two countries.

Having recognised the importance of appointing an Honorary Consul in New Zealand, the High Commissioner will host a reception in Auckland on Friday 17 June to appoint Mr. Chris Jones as Honorary Consul for Botswana. The Government of Botswana is delighted that New Zealand's Minister of Trade and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs Honourable Tim Groser will be Guest of Honour.

His Excellency Mr. Selepeng says Botswana attaches great importance to its longstanding bilateral ties with New Zealand.

"The Government and people of Botswana are very pleased to appoint Mr. Jones as the Honorary Consul for Botswana as he is an experienced businessman and entrepreneur who has done more to facilitate trade and greater understanding between Africa and New Zealand than any other Kiwi we know. We know Chris will make a significant contribution to both Botswana and New Zealand in his new role."

In Christchurch on June 15, Mr. Selepeng is scheduled to meet His Worship the Mayor, Mr. Bob Parker, Chief Executive Officer of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Peter Townsend and Mr. Phillip Gibson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

From Christchurch Mr. Selepeng will visit Wellington on June 16 and Auckland on June 17 where he will meet Government officials, the Rugby World Cup Team and some New Zealand businesses with an interest in trade with Botswana and Africa.

Mr. Selepeng will be accompanied by the Honorary Consul-Designate for Botswana in New Zealand, Mr. Jones, and the Botswana High Commission Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Wame P. Dechambenoit.

ENDS

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