Botswana and Greece, wishing to strengthen and develop mutually beneficial relations between their countries and peoples, decided to establish diplomatic relations in 1978.
Botswana is represented in Greece through its Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland and also through the Botswana Honorary Consulate in Athens. Greece is accredited to Botswana through its Diplomatic Mission based in Pretoria, South Africa.
Exchange Visits
A number of high-level exchange visits have taken place between the two countries, starting with a visit to Greece in early 1993 by the former second President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire, to a recent visit to Botswana (in June 2012) by the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa (Greek Orthodox Church). The Patriarch met with His Excellency the President, Lieutenant-General Ian Khama Seretse Khama, and also opened Greek Orthodox Church in Botswana.
The Honourary Consul has represented Botswana in a number of meetings and local events in Greece over the years where Botswana was promoted. He has, in addition, travelled to Botswana on various occassions, taking with him journalists and a Greek Business delegation. Botswana Ambassadors accredited to Greece have visited Greece on various occassions, hosting Botswana Independece celebrations and trade exhibitions in Athens. The current Ambassador, His Excellency, Mothusi B. R. Palai, has been to Greece on a number of occassions and has led two trade and investment missions (2011 and 2012), and met with Greek officials in February 2013 to discuss and follow-up on matters of mutual interest.
Economic and Trade Relations
Greek exports to Botswana include warm-water tanks, water heaters, photography equipment, equipment for electricity networks and synthetic textile materials.
Greek Community in Botswana
Over 100 Greek citizens currently reside in Botswana, mainly in the capital, Gaborone. In July 2011, the Greek Orthodox Church in Botswana was legally recognized by the Government of Botswana, allowing for it to expand its pastoral and missionary work in the country under the leadership of its’ Bishop Gennadios of Gaborone.
In February 2012, a Greek-British private school opened in Gaborone, funded by the Orthodox Diocese of Botswana under the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. Greek, Greek-Cypriot, Ukrainian, Russian, Serbian and indigenous pupils are already attending the school’s courses, which, amongst others, include the learning of Greek and Russian languages, Setswana, as well as Orthodox catechism. The Embassies of the Republic of France and the Federal Republic of Germany have assisted in the establishment and operation of the private Orthodox school.
Visa requirements
Nationals of Greece do not require visa to enter Botswana. For nationals of other countries residing in Greece who require visa to enter Botswana, application for visa can be made through filling out the form below and sending it to the Mission, either by e-mail to botgen@bluewin.ch, fax or post:
VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
VISA APPLICATION FORM
Assistance to Batswana in Greece
All Batswana living in Greece are requested to complete the form below and send it to the Mission either by email to botgen@bluewin.ch, or by fax or post to the contacts given below:
REGISTRATION OF BATSWANA NATIONALS IN COUNTRIES OF ACCREDITATION
Information on Botswana and other assistance, including travelling to Botswana or tourism and investment in Botswana could be sought at the Honorary Consul’s office:
Consulate of Botswana in Greece
54 Omirou Street – 106 72
Athens – Greece
Nektarios J. Polychroniou, Esq.
Honorary Consul
Tel: +30 210 3633336
+30 210 3630930
Fax: +30 210 360298
e-mail: botswana@otenet.gr
necpol@otonet.gr