Question NW377 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
02 March 2023 - NW377
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Given that the Republic has approximately 69 embassies and 75 consulates across the world, what (a) progress has been made with the rationalisation of foreign embassies in so far as their reduction is concerned and (b) total number of foreign missions will be commissioning new buildings.
Reply:
a) During the period 2021/22 the Department concluded the closure of 10 missions. The remaining two missions are earmarked for closure during 2023.
b) Three construction projects were prioritised over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) namely, New Delhi, Luanda and Gaborone. However, it may be noted that the Gaborone project is under review as the Government of Botswana has intentions to acquire the state-owned land portion from DIRCO.