05 Sep 2024

Botswana is in support of the One China policy and grateful for the long standing support and solidarity from the Asian country, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Speaking during bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping of China yesterday, President Masisi said he was convinced that the ultimate responsibility for the people of China throughout the world rested with where the majority of Chinese people lived.

Noting the long standing relationship between Botswana and the People's Republic of China, President Masisi said Batswana were grateful for the support from China.

He said China supported Botswana during the COVID-19 pandemic through supply of vaccines, protective clothing and other logistics.

President Masisi also noted that next year would mark the 50^th anniversary of excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, and he invited his Chinese counterpart to visit Botswana.  

He remind the Chinese leader that he visited Botswana while still the Vice President and he a cabinet minister, adding that it would be fitting for him to visit once more as head of state.  President Masisi said the friendship between the two countries grew deeper in the fight against COVID-19 and that China was among the first counties to extend a helping hand to Botswana.

President Masisi also said Botswana was committed to ensuring the realisation of the FOCAC objectives, which were centred around consultation, dialogue and cooperation. For his part, President Xi  emphasised China’s commitment to strengthening consultations and expanding cooperation. 

He said China was keen to promote political dialogue and economic cooperation in order to ensure mutual reinforcement and cooperation.  

He said since the first FOCAC gathering in 2000, the forum had kept pace with the changing Africa-China relationships. 

He added that what began as a platform primarily focused on economic ties had expanded to encompass a broader range of issues reflecting both Chinese and African priorities. ends