Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana is eager to pursue development opportunities and prosperity, and believes that fostering ties with countries like China can help advance these aspirations, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
Dr Kwape made these remarks during the annual Chinese spring festival in Gaborone recently. He emphasised the need to expand economic engagement, with a particular focus on creating value chains in the agricultural sector, renewable energy, digital technology, knowledge-based industries, and service sectors, among others.
He said in keeping with the China’s vision of a shared community with a future for mankind, Botswana had benefitted much from Chinese assistance, mentioning areas such as infrastructure development, human resources, health, technical assistance, trade and investment.
The scope of the engagement is a wonderful reminder of the diverse and deep ways through which the countries are connected, he said.
He expressed hoped that bilateral relations between Botswana and China would result in high levels of achievement of socio-economic benefit in the year 2024 and beyond.
Dr Kwape highlighted that Botswana and China have enjoyed enduring friendship since the two countries established diplomatic relations in January 1975.
“As we approach the important milestone of the 50 anniversary of diplomatic relations, I am happy to note that there has been steady growth in friendship and broad-based partnerships encompassing many areas of development,” he said.
He further said the political relations and interactions have also intensified since the state visit to China by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi in 2018.
He pointed out that the visit contributed immensely to the goodwill between two counties and paved way for engagement and practical cooperation.
Meanwhile, Dr Kwape hailed China for its critical role of people to people ties in fostering mutual understanding, trust and friendship, saying the growing alumni of Batswana who have studied in China were an asset which both countries should nature to develop solid and lasting networks.
Dr Kwape further appreciated the progress made in regards to negotiations of the beef protocol which would facilitate entry of Botswana beef into the Chinese market.
He also cherished the recent donation of Transportable Meteorological Ground Application system in support of Botswana climate change efforts.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the eminent commencement of the Gaborone-Mmopane road works through a grant funding including the eminent commencement of the Ramaeba Primary School in Kazungula.
For his part, China Ambassador to Botswana Mr Wang Xuefeng appreciated Botswana’s adherence to one China principles and support to China-Botswana relations.
Mr Wang commended Botswana’s steadfast commitment to the one China Policy, saying it was fundamental to the relations.
He detailed some of the projects that China had a hand in contributing to, among them the 300 government scholarships and MOFCOM scholarships offered by the Chinese government for Batswana to further their studies in China.
Mr Wang underscored that Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China would launch the initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization. This also include implementation of the Plan for China supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernisation and the plan for China Africa Cooperation on Talent development, promoting cooperation and seeking development with African brothers and jointly creating a bright future for China and Africa.
On the famous Chinese Spring Festival, Mr Wang said it was the oldest and traditional festival in Chinese culture and it marked the beginning of the spring season which symbolizes hope.
“It is a most festive day for families reunite, bidding farewell to the old and welcome the new,” he said.
Mr Wang went on to explain that the Spring Festival has inherited concepts of peace and harmony, social tolerance and harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
Among the delegates that attended the celebration was former President Festus Mogae, diplomatic Corps, ministers and senior government officials including Chinese diaspora in Botswana.
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