The newly appointed Ambassador of the French Republic to Botswana, Her Excellency Valérie Baraban, has formally presented her Letters of Credence to President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko at the Office of the President in Gaborone.
Ambassador Baraban is a seasoned diplomat with an extensive track record in international relations. She previously served as Consul General of France in Houston and has held senior positions in strategic security, disarmament, and cultural cooperation in Beijing. Her career also includes serving as political advisor at France’s NATO mission in Brussels and a key role in the French Presidency under the National Coordination of Intelligence and Counter-terrorism.
President Boko welcomed her appointment and reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with France. He underscored that the partnership, which dates back to 1966, has been built on shared values of democracy, peace, and sustainable development. He highlighted cooperation in education, cultural exchange, governance, renewable energy, economic development, security, and climate change adaptation as central pillars of this long-standing relationship.
Ambassador Baraban expressed her commitment to build on this foundation and emphasized the importance of deepening trade, investment, and innovation between the two nations. She noted that France remains a strong supporter of Botswana’s economic diversification agenda and sustainable growth. She also highlighted youth empowerment as a key area for future collaboration.
Her appointment signals a renewed chapter in Botswana–France relations. With her background and experience, the partnership is set to expand into new areas of cooperation that align with Botswana’s national priorities and France’s global commitments.
