Africa-Press – Botswana. This year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, a symbol in Chinese culture of energy, perseverance, strength, and forward momentum. These qualities resonate deeply with the enduring spirit of friendship, cooperation, and progress that characterise the relationship between Botswana and China,” Mohwasa said during the Chinese Spring Festival.
Furthermore, he said, last year marked a significant milestone, the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Botswana and China. Moreover, he said this anniversary reflects decades of unwavering friendship and collaboration that have yielded tangible benefits for both nations.
“Our partnership has flourished across diverse fields, including education, health, infrastructure, trade, investment, and cultural exchange, enriching the lives of our people,” he said. He, however, commended the Chinese community for invaluable contributions to Botswana’s economy, society, and cultural fabric. Through entrepreneurship, investment, skills transfer, and cultural exchange, he said China has played a pivotal role in supporting Botswana’s development aspirations.
He also acknowledged the vital role played by the Embassy of China in fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two nations. In addition, he said the new Government of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has set itself an ambitious agenda through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme as well as the National Development Plan 12.
“The success of these initiatives will depend, amongst other things, on the continued collaboration with our valued partners such as the People’s Republic of China. We look forward to working together at both government and private sector levels to achieve our shared goals of sustainable development and economic prosperity,” he said.
The ambassador of China to Botswana, Fan Yong, said the two countries have advanced hand in hand, deepening political mutual trust and achieving fruitful results in practical cooperation.
“The past year has witnessed active high-level exchanges, including successful visits to China by the Speaker of the National Assembly and several Cabinet ministers. Last December, a Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation led by Vice Minister Li Mingxiang also visited Botswana, further strengthening the bonds between our countries. We have signed a series of cooperation documents, including the Memorandum of Understanding on strengthening development cooperation and promoting the Global Development Initiative, the agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, and the protocol on Botswana’s beef exports to China,” he said.
He said 2026 marks the launch of China’s “15th Five-Year Plan” and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. “The strong synergy between Botswana’s 12th National Development Plan and China’s 15th five year plan offers broad prospects for further cooperation. Guided by the strategic vision of our Presidents Xi Jinping and Duma Boko, we will continue to deepen mutually beneficial collaboration in areas such as poverty reduction, food security, public health, infrastructure development, the digital economy, and clean energy,” the ambassador said.
Furthermore, he said they would strengthen coordination on international affairs and global governance to elevate the partnership to new heights. He said that 2026 has also been designated the China-Africa year of people-to-people exchanges, they will promote mutual learning between civilizations, and consolidate the foundation of cooperation, in the spirit of deepening understanding and fostering closer bonds between the people of China and Africa.
“As a vivid microcosm of the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, the China-Botswana strategic partnership is growing even stronger,” he said.
