Botswana’s diplomatic ties with Australia deepen as it pledges its support for Australia’s bid for membership in the UN Security Council. This pronouncement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Mr. Phandu Skelemani, during a one day visit by his Australian counterpart Mr. Stephen Smith.  The Messers discussed issues of national importance. Mr. Skelemani lauded Australia’s divers assistance to Botswana which ranges from fire-fighting, the preservation of natural resources, education agreements to funding the training of doctors to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  According to Mr. Skelemani, Australia’s involvement in peace-keeping missions and security issues around the world warranted support for its UN bid as it was in a position to better articulate and advise on such matters. On issues of regional and continental concern, Mr. Smith confirmed that the situation in Zimbabwe was discussed and possible ways in which Botswana and Australia might cooperate to deliver humanitarian and capacity building assistance were explored. Read more