by H.E. Zhao Yanbo, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana
From 18th to 24th October 2017, the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was successfully held in Beijing. The Congress took place at a time when China's development is at the decisive stage of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and China is increasingly and proactively involved in world affairs. So it is of vital importance for China and even the world.
In his landmark report to the Congress, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping proclaimed that China and its socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the international and domestic environment and conditions for China's further development, President Xi outlined a two-stage approach for China to become a great modern socialist country once a moderately prosperous society in all respects is accomplished by 2020. According to President Xi, China's socialist modernization will be basically realized from 2020 to 2035. And from 2035 to the middle of this century, China will become a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful. This blueprint inspires the Chinese people and the world.
The Congress has also offered a Chinese approach for the common development of the world. As President Xi emphasized in his report that China will adhere to the path of peaceful development and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. And to this end, China will continue its efforts to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development, and uphold international order. China will follow the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration in engaging in global governance. China will never pursue its development at the expense of others. Most importantly, China will share its development opportunities with other countries, especially the developing countries so as to realize common development. In my view, China's development in the new era as outlined by the 19th CPC Congress will benefit the world.
President Xi reiterated in his report that China remains firm in its commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with other countries, and he also pointed out that the dream of the Chinese people is closely connected with the dreams of the peoples of other countries. China and Africa share common destiny and interests in terms of development. China will conduct its relations with Africa on the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith, and uphold the values of friendship, justice and shared interests. China will continue to implement the fruitful outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Johannesburg Summit and ensure deeper African involvement in the Belt and Road Initiatives. By closely connecting China's steady development with the sustainable development of African countries, both sides will achieve win-win cooperation for common development.
The Congress also pointed out the clear direction for the development of China-Botswana relations. Our two countries have a time-tested friendship which has taken root deep in the hearts of the peoples. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 42 years ago, the bilateral relations have been developing in a smooth and sound manner, and our peoples have truly benefited from the expanding cooperation in various fields. According to my observation, we have a strong cooperation prospect. Botswana is now aiming at economic diversification and employment promotion to improve the livelihood of its people through implementation of NPD11 and Vision 2036. Meanwhile, China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Botswana and provide financial support according to China-Africa 10 Cooperation Action Plan. This has created great opportunities for bilateral cooperation in many sectors, such as infrastructural construction, agriculture, investment, energy and mining industry and tourism.
China has always attached great importance to the development of China-Botswana friendly and cooperative relations. China has always shown its sincerity and faithfulness in the development of this bilateral relations. China is willing to move forward with Botswana to strengthen communication and consultation under bilateral and multilateral framework, explore and formulate plans to align our economic cooperation strategically, channel investment in areas of Botswana concern, and promote Botswana economic diversification, with a goal of common development and benefiting peoples of our two countries. It is with the aforesaid in mind that I have very reason to believe that our friendly cooperative bilateral relations will surely benefit from the 19th CPC National Congress.