His Holiness the Dalai Lama is to visit Botswana despite Chinese objections. Botswana’s Foreign Minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said “The visit is purely private”, adding, “The principle of non-interference in the international affairs of other countries is at the core of China’s foreign policy. We therefore expect… China to respect our sovereign decision on this matter”. His Holiness is due to speak at the Mind and Life Dialogue there.