Holy See Ambassador pledges support

The Ambassador of Holy See, Archbishop James Green has promised that they would be working closely with Botswana to help advance justice, peace, education and health.
Archbishop Green earlier this week presented his credentials to President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama. He said in an interview that he was happy Botswana had finally established formal relations with Holy See.
He added that as the Catholic Church, they have been impressed by the democratic system in Botswana because the government has respect for human rights and the rule of law is firmly enforced.
He said the Catholic Church had long been working with Botswana especially on the spiritual level but their relations have never been formalised adding that the church and Botswana have decided to take a further step in enhancing the relations between the Holy See and the government of Botswana.
Archbishop Green explained that the Catholic Church had been contributing and adding value to the education sector in the country.
They will continue to assist in that area.
As a result of the onset of HIV/AIDS in the country, the church has decided to significantly contribute to the health sector, he said.
That is why they have established a hospice in Metsimotlhabe.
He said it was a great opportunity to have formalised the relations with Botswana and hoped they would work hand in hand with the government for the common good of the people of Botswana and the Holy See.
For his part, the Ambassador of Mali, Mr Sinally Coulibaly, appreciated the warm welcome he had received from the government.
He said they appreciated the way Botswana is managing its mining and tourism hubs and they would appreciate it if the two countries could share expertise and ideas so that in Mali they could also develop their economy through mining and tourism.