PARIS — De Beers on Monday said it welcomes “Botswana’s continued commitment to De Beers ” as the Southern African nation plans to double its stake in De Beers Group to 30 percent, positioning itself as the diamond company’s largest shareholder.

“I am delighted that the country now intends to increase its position in our iconic business. De Beers has led the diamond industry since 1888, and we welcome owners that share both deep experience of diamonds and high ambitions for what we can achieve,” said Al Cook, chief executive officer at De Beers Group, in a statement shared with WWD.

“Consumers take more and more of an interest in the places their diamonds come from, and I am sure that such new ownership of De Beers will give them confidence that the diamonds they acquire are as responsible as they are beautiful,” continued Cook, adding that Anglo American is leading the sales process, and formal announcements will come when appropriate.

Earlier in the day, Botswana’s president Duma Boko said during his…