By Renate Rivers

The Republic of Botswana’s first official envoy met with His Highness the Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi on Tuesday 21st June at Tuaefu, in what Tui Atua called “a momentous occasion�?.

His Excellency Mr. Molosiwa Selepeng offered his letters of credence from the President of Botswana to the Head of State of Samoa in recognition of the newly established diplomatic relations between both countries.

His Highness remarked on the relationship, “While Samoa and Botswana are geographically distant from each other, this has not prevented our two countries from working together on issues of mutual interest such as human rights, sustainable development, poverty alleviation and many others.

“We look forward to continue working side by side with Botswana in the promotion of these and other issues through the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the ACP/EU framework.�?

His Excellency Selepeng’s comments resonated with His Highness’ remarks,

“Although Botswana and Samoa currently have not yet developed substantial bilateral co-operation, our two countries have always worked together through their common membership of a number of international organisations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the World Trade Organisation.�?

He added, “I am confident that following the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in March last year and your acceptance of my appointment today, that the way is now paved for Botswana and Samoa to explore further areas of cooperation.�?

Botswana, a small land-locked African nation located in the southern part of the continent, was formerly a British protectorate before achieving independence in 1966. Under democratic rule since, and with a relatively small population of 2 million while producing most of the world’s diamonds, has meant a transformation from being one of Africa’s poorest countries in to a middle-income nation.

His Excellency Selepeng is a career diplomat, starting his career in 1971 as Assistant Secretary of the Department of External Affairs of Botswana. From 1973 to 1980, he was posted in London and Brussels, serving in various positions for his government’s foreign service. The period 1985 – 1990 saw Mr Selepeng take up the role of Deputy Secretary for External Affairs back in Botswana. Other notable roles include Secretary to Cabinet, Permanent Secretary to the President and Head of Public Service from 1999 to 2003. He was appointed High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand in 2003, a position he holds to this day. He lives in Australia with his wife Mrs Game Seleng and their three children.

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