Botswana's FM vows to push forward Botswana-China cooperation

Botswana's Foreign Minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi on Tuesday said her government will do all in its power to take Botswana-China cooperation to greater heights.

"We admire the great strides China has made in recent decades. In just over a few decades, China has transformed millions of its people from hunger and poverty," said Venson-Moitoi when addressing at the reception of the 40th anniversary of China- Botswana diplomatic relationship.

"Our dream is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with a solid collaboration extended to a new area and growing volumes of trade and investment," said the minister.

China and Botswana formally established diplomatic relationship on Jan. 6, 1975.

Last Sunday, a Chinese art troupe visited Botswana and presented martial art, acrobatic, folk music and dance performances for celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the ties.

A photo exhibition for the establishment of diplomatic ties was also held on Tuesday by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana. The displayed photos reviewed exchanges between the two sides in the past 40 years in the areas of politics, economics, culture and sports etc.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Zheng Zhuqiang said at the reception China-Botswana relations have been developing soundly and steadily on the basis of traditional friendship, and two peoples have truly benefited from the expanding cooperation in various fields.

The envoy also thanked the Botswana government for giving support to China in international affairs and China's domestic affairs.

So far, China has sponsored 31 projects to Botswana, including renovating the railway, building residential houses, primary schools and others, by way of providing grants, interest-free loans and concessional loans. One of the highlights is Gaborone Multi-purpose Youth Center which is now the headquarters of Botswana National Youth Council. And several new project proposals including Mmopane Primary School are under deliberation.

In health and medical area, China has been continuously sending medical teams to Botswana since 1981. To date, China has altogether sent 373 medical experts to Botswana and treated millions of Botswana patients.

China also provides more than 80 government scholarships to Botswana students for tertiary education each year. Besides, over 600 Botswana officials, experts and technicians have been invited to attend seminars, workshops and short-term training programs in China since 1999.

Around 400 guests attended the reception, including senior government officials of Botswana and Botswana's former president Festus Mogae.