Botswana and Venezuela negotiating cooperation agreements

prides himself in the noble mission continent. In the case of Botswana, of contributing to building unity and Venezuela officially established dipcooperation between Latin America, lomatic relations on 9th July 2007; Venezuela – a country on the northern the Caribbean and Africa, says that however, the relationship between the coast of South America - has very the depth of the social and political two peoples is much older and deeper. strong socio- cultural roots with the reality of “our continent” can only be This notwithstanding, Omar BerroterAfrican continent. These roots can be understood, within the womb of the an Paredes insists that both Venezuela traced as far back as several centuries vast African territory. He affirms that and Botswana are currently working ago after the involuntary shipment to the components and codes that make in the areas of education, energy, and the American continent, of Africans up the cultural, musical and religious mining among other possibilities, to who were cruelly enslaved in the syncretism of Latin America, creatunderpin their relationship. For that infamous Trans- Atlantic slave trade. ing a unity between “our people that reason, the diplomat evaded comAccording to Ambassador Omar Beris not only racial, but also spiritual,” mitting to real figures when asked to roteran Paredes, in Venezuela, approxioriginates from Africa. Based on this describe the level of trade between mately 40 percent of the population is awareness of Latin America’s connecthe two countries, and what measures Afro- Venezuelan, and therefore, “we tion with Africa, Venezuela has opened are in place to improve it. He could have proudly and deeply rooted in our diplomatic missions in 18 countries only attest: “We believe that after the

Please send your CV including required qualifications and supporting documents to society, customs and traditions that within the region and officially estabsigning of the cooperation agreements

nscholtz@ nttnissan. co. bw or fax: 391 2828, Closing date for applications – 09/ 06/ 2021 emanate from African heritage”. Only candidates lished excellent with proven relations track with records the 55 will that be considered are currently under negotiation, The Namibia- based diplomat who countries that make up this mother trade and business opportunities will increase markedly”. The same is true for Venezuela’s cooperation with the SADC regional economic community to which Omar Berroteran Paredes is accredited. Actually, Ambassador Paredes revealed to this publication that he recently held a “fruitful meeting” with the Deputy Executive Director for Regional Integration, Dr. Thembinkosi Mhlongo, and conveyed his country’s commitment to work with SADC in areas of cooperation that they believe Venezuela could humbly provide support based on “our potentialities and experiences”. There are however other deeper ties that bind Botswana and Venezuela, especially on the cultural side. The Ambassador easily concedes that the dominant culture of Venezuela reflects a blend of Indigenous, African and European customs, as well as regional Caribbean and Andean influences. He says that many Venezuelans are mixed with African ancestry. “We share the same fire that burn in the hearts of Africans with a desire for freedom, self- determination and prosperity; with the same rhythm in our feet as you when we fight against oppression and inequality,” he explains.

At the end of the interview, Ambassador Paredes provided a brief background of Venezuela, its relationship with the USA and particularly with Latin America; as well as his thoughts on the state of multilateralism as conceived under the United Nations given the ongoing Russia- Ukraine conflict He clarifies that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela structures its international relations on the basis of Peace Diplomacy, which respects the right of the people to choose their own destiny. His Excellency President Nicolás Maduro has reiterated his will and commitment to normalise relations with the group of governments that unfortunately decided to abandon the ideological tolerance and diplomatic channels. As for relations between Venezuela and the government of United States, the ambassador reckons that perhaps they could be clarified after their ( US) legislative elections in November. “However, regardless of their decisions, our Country will continue along the path of political stability and economic growth achieved with great effort by our people, after years of difficulties generated mainly by destabilising policies and illegal sanctions imposed by external forces on Venezuela”. As far as Venezuela’s relationship with Latin America goes, Venezuela and the Republic of Colombia have moved to re- establish relations that were severed in 2019 when Washington and its closest allies unsuccessfully moved to try to isolate Venezuela. However, the resumption of diplomacy means that all large countries in the Americas, except for only three ( 3) governments, have resumed diplomatic relations with Venezuela to rescue the fine tradition of contact between sister nations, which is fundamental for Latin America and the Caribbean. Turning to Multilateralism and Diplomacy for peace, the ambassador affirms that these ideals are paramount tools to strengthen integration among nations and promote respect for human rights, sustainable development, and rights for peace. The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, as established on 12th December 2018, through a UN General Assembly resolution that Venezuela promoted together with other countries, reaffirms the significance and relevance of multilateralism and international law, and fosters the common goal of achieving lasting and sustained peace through diplomacy.