Botswana President on transit |23 May 2005

President Mongae, travelling on a private jet, was met at the International Airport at Pointe Larue by Vice-President Joseph Belmont, who is assuming the functions of the Office of President James Michel in his absence.

The principal secretary of Foreign Affairs, Claude Morel, was also present to meet him. 

President Mongae is leading a nine-member delegation to the conference. The delegation includes Charles Tibone, the Minister of Minerals, Energy, and Water Resources.

President Mongae is expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening of a conference on diamond to take place in Mumbai. The conference will be attended by key players from diamond industries worldwide.

Botswana is one of the largest dealers in rough diamond exports in the world and has plans to expand its diamond cutting and polishing industry to reap more value-added benefits.

President Mongae is also expected to meet with the African Heads of Missions in New Delhi and visit the information, communication and technology hub in Hyderabad.