Minister of International Development and Human Rights Hilde Frafjord Johnson

Address at reception

Gaborone, Botswana, 10. februar 2000

I would like to begin by thanking the Government of Botswana for receiving me so warmly. And I thank each and every one of you for honoring me with your presence here tonight.

As you all know, the close cooperation between Botswana and Norway has existed for almost three decades. Three exiting decades. As our friendship has grown and our relations have become closer, we have observed a virtual revolution here in Botswana. From its position among the poorest of the poor, we have watched this nation become the envy of Africa. Moreover, on a continent too often characterized by crises, conflict and human suffering, we have come to expect the voice of reason and moderation to emerge from Botswana.

We have witnessed the strengthening of your democratic institutions.

We have observed the development of a capable civil service.

We have seen the rapid development of social services and technical infrastructure. And we have watched an amazing economic development - and the growth of financial management skills to go with it.

Cynics may say that that Botswana’s remarkable achievements boil down to one word: diamonds. - That Botswana is doing well simply because of the diamond industry. Wrong! Dead wrong! - You know and I know that these cynics are missing the point. Many African countries are richly endowed with natural resources. Still, in the very same countries human misery and poverty are increasing. Still, in these very same countries progress and development remain a distant dream.

Why? - Because they lack what Botswana has: a peaceful, stable democracy and good governance. A solid foundation for development and growth. During the heyday of external development assistance you maintained ownership of your own development, and you set the priorities. You coordinated the donors; it was never the other way around. You even had the guts to say "no" – when "no" was called for.

I am pleased that Norway has made a contribution, however minor, to your development process. And I don't mind telling you: in rallying support for development cooperation I’m using your successes and achievements for all that they’re worth. In fact, in most of my public appearances, I say "Look to Botswana", "Look and learn". "If there’s will, there’s a way".

Having said that, I am fully aware that your development process is far from complete (by the way, it never is), and that you are facing a number of difficult challenges. - There is still widespread poverty in Botswana. The unemployment rate is still far too high. And the HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a devastating effect.

I have been informed, however, that you have a well-functioning HIV/AIDS program, with a comprehensive, multisectoral approach, and that you are working tirelessly to cope with this immense challenge. I am pleased to note that ongoing cooperation between Botswana and Norway in the health sector also focuses on combating the AIDS pandemic.

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Even though our traditional program of development cooperation will be phased out over the next few years, this does not mean that we will end our cooperation. Over the decades close ties and relations have been built between individuals and institutions in Botswana and Norway. I feel confident that we will be able to continue building on these ties and working together for our mutual benefit in the years ahead.

Botswana has a thousand "good-will" ambassadors in Norway.

I know we Norwegians have a few here as well.

Again, thank you very much for your warm hospitality. I wish I could have spent more time with you, in this beautiful country of yours.

But, in having to leave tomorrow morning, after one day only, I take comfort in a 19 ^th> century French author, who once wrote : "The first day you are a guest, the second day a burden, the third day a pest!"

(I’m sure our very able Norwegian ambassador, Mr. Eik, agrees…!)

Thank you.