04 Sep 2024

The forum on China-Africa Cooperation has been hailed as a cornerstone for relations between the continent and China since its inception in 2000.

His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi made the remarks during a luncheon hosted by Mr Li Xi, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

President Masisi said FOCAC could foster a new era of cooperation that was both sustainable and mutually beneficial.

He said the 2024 summit, held under the theme: Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, aimed to deepen the shared values between Africa and China.

He described FOCAC as a useful vehicle to consult and to share values as it presented a platform for Africa and China to align their bilateral relations with development goals.

President Masisi said there had been remarkable progress since the last FOCAC Summit in 2018,  and that it showed the depth and intimacy of the relationship between China and Africa. He added that the relationship was mutually rewarding.

President Masisi also noted that Botswana would be celebrating its 50^th anniversary of bilateral and diplomatic relations with China next year, adding that attending this year’s summit was a sacrifice as the country was heading for general elections and that Parliament would be dissolved today.

For his part, Mr Li expressed delight over Botswana’s participation, stating that China President, His Excellency Xi Jinping was looking forward to the proposed bilateral talks with President Masisi.

He highlighted that the meeting between the two would usher in a new vision for the development of the two countries’ bilateral relations.

He added that China was ready to work with Botswana to implement any agreement reached by both heads of state.

He also said China was committed to bilateral relations with Botswana which were beneficial to the citizens of both countries. He said China’s evolving partnership with Botswana was reshaping the country’s infrastructure, technology and energy landscape.

Mr Li  said the relationship between Botswana and China was not just about bilateral ties, but it was a strategic framework. Ends