The New Ambassador of France to Botswana and Special Representative to SADC, Mr. Pierre Voillery presented his papers of Credence to the SADC Executive Secretary, Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax on the 23rd January 2017.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Voillery expressed readiness of his Government to continue supporting SADC through the French Development Agencies that are already working with SADC in sectors such as water and energy, which are critical for improving the quality of lives in the region. New areas of collaboration may include studies aimed at advancing regional integration and development.
The SADC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tax welcomed the Ambassador to Botswana and SADC and thanked the Government of France through the Embassy for the support provided to the SADC region. She noted that the two institutions have enjoyed good bilateral relations and that SADC is looking forward to enhanced collaboration. She highlighted the SADC priorities as provided in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (PISDP) and the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ on Defence, Politics and Security (SIPO), among others Industrial Development and market integration, infrastructure development and consolidation of democracy and peace and security which are key for the region.
The two parties agreed to continue working together in the existing areas of collaboration but also explore new areas of common interest such as migration, terrorism and trafficking of persons with a view to achieve socio-economic development, poverty eradication, and deeper SADC regional integration.
The French Ambassador was accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Sandrine Maury.
