To further enhance diplomatic relations with all friendly nations, particularly to promote friendly ties and cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Republic of Botswana, the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Republic of Botswana was signed on 11 December 2023. In the ceremony took place in New York, the two countries were represented by Ambassador Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to the United Nations and the Honorable Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Botswana, witnessed by the diplomats from both sides.

Located in Southern part of Africa, the Republic of Botswana shares common borders with 4 countries namely South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. With the total land area of 581,730 km2, approximately 70 percent of its territories are part of the Kalahari Desert. The country consists of 17 provinces and has total population of 2.7 million (2023) with Gaborone as its capital. English and the local language, Tswana are widely spoken. More than 70% of its entire population believes in Christianity.

Botswana gained independence from Britain on September 30, 1966, but remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations. As a parliamentary representative Republic of Botswana has the 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 member of the United Nations on 17 October 1966 and has then played an active role in various UN bodies. At the United Nations, the Lao PDR and Botswana have enjoyed long-lasting cooperation and mutual support in a wide range of areas namely in the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), G-77 and China, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), among others. Over the years, Botswana has made important contributions to the UN peacekeeping missions.     It served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 1995-1996, the Economic-Social Council for the terms 1983-1985, 1991-1993, 2014-2016, and 2020-2022 and elected member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2011-2017. Recently, Botswana successfully assumed Presidency of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2021-2022.

On this auspicious occasion, senior diplomats of both sides reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to further enhance their cordial bilateral relations and cooperation, exchanges of mutual support within the United Nations framework. This year is also of particular importance as the Lao PDR continues to serve as member ECOSOC for the term 2023-2025 and will assume Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024. The continued establishment of diplomatic relations with friendly countries further testifies the foreign policy of “Peace, Independence, Friendship, and Cooperation” consistently pursued by the Lao Government. The Lao PDR now has diplomatic relations with 149 countries.