Page "Foreign relations of Botswana" Paragraph 4

Botswana and the Soviet Union initiated diplomatic relations on March 6, 1970.

Despite its pro-Western orientation, Botswana participated in the 1980 Summer Olympics.

The present-day relations between the two countries are described as friendly and long standing.

In March, the two countries also celebrated the 35th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

According to the minister of Foreign Affairs, Russia was one of the first countries to establish full diplomatic relations with Botswana.