On 4th September 2020, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo paid a courtesy call on Hon. Kabo Morwaeng, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration and exchanged views on China-Botswana joint fight against CIVID-19 and further cooperation amid the pandemic. They were joined by Hon. Dumezweni Mthimkhulu, Assistant Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr. Wang Bangfu, Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and other officials.

Ambassador Zhao briefed Minister Morwaeng on China's anti-pandemic cooperation with the international community and assistance to Botswana in fighting coronavirus. He said that China and Botswana have enjoyed longstanding relations and deepening friendship. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have supported each other with solidarity and worked together to fight COVID-19, which is a vivid portrayal of the brotherhood between the two sides. As a major global public health crisis, the pandemic has had a huge impact on all countries, including China and Botswana. China thanks Botswana for its support in the early stage of the outbreak, and will continue to strengthen practical cooperation with Botswana in the areas of public health, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and digital economy to help Botswana overcome the negative impact of the pandemic and achieve economic recovery as soon as possible.

Minister Morwaeng expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the Botswana government to China for its anti-pandemic assistance. He said that history always repeats itself. In the 1960s, China provided strong support to the liberation movement of the Frontline States in Africa. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China has supported Botswana's economic and social development in various ways. During this pandemic, China was the first to extend a helping hand to Botswana with batches of medical supplies, which has met the latter’s urgent need, and China has taken good care of Botswana citizens and students in China, which reflects the close partnership between the two countries. There is a saying in China that it is better to teach people how to fish than to give them fish. Botswana is willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and learn China's experience in rapid development so as to achieve common prosperity of both countries.