Botswana will open an embassy in Moscow and provide Russia access to rare earths and diamonds, according to the ministry

Botswana is set to establish an embassy in Moscow shortly and has extended an invitation to Russian investors for collaboration in the fields of rare earths and diamonds, as reported by Russia’s TASS state news agency, citing Botswana’s foreign minister on Sunday.

Russia aims to enhance its presence in Africa in the context of its broader conflict with the West.

We strongly hold the view that Botswana represents the optimal destination for investment, given its political and economic stability. “Consequently, we highly urge Russian investors to consider Botswana,” stated Phenyo Butale of Botswana, as reported by TASS.

Diamonds typically account for approximately one-third of Botswana’s national revenues and about three-quarters of its foreign exchange earnings.

Russia’s Norilsk Nickel (GMKN.MM), the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel, resolved its dispute with the government of Botswana and BCL Group in 2021 concerning a transaction for the sale of Nornickel’s assets in Africa to BCL Group.