On 21th May 2021, H.E. Wang Xuefeng, the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana and Hon. Peggy Serame, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development of Botswana signed the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation on behalf of the two governments respectively.
In his remarks, Ambassador Wang said that China and Botswana enjoy a long history of interactions and friendship. In 2018, H.E. President Mokgweetsi Masisi paid a successful state visit to China and attended Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two heads of state reached extensive and important consensus, opening a new chapter of the bilateral relations. In January this year, H.E. Wang Yi, the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China visited Botswana and the two sides signed the MoU on Belt and Road Cooperation, further reinforcing the bilateral pragmatic cooperation with new synergy. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Botswana have been jointly combating the virus with support and solidarity. At present, defeating the virus and promoting economic recovery remain the top priorities of bilateral cooperation, and China stands ready to continue and offer its utmost support to the social and economic development of Botswana.
Ambassador Wang further pointed out that, two days ago, H.E. Wang Yi said in the UNSC high-level open debate on peace and security in Africa, "China is a good brother, good friend and good partner of African countries. As long as something is beneficial to African countries, China will never be absent. As long as some work delivers benefits to the African people, China will not hesitate to do it". The signing agreement is a concrete action of the Chinese government to help the Botswana side to promote economic recovery, create employment and improve the people's wellbeing.
In her remarks, Minister Serame extended sincere gratitude to China for its valuable support. She said the government of Botswana will propose projects to be considered for implementation under the grant, and work together with the Chinese side to enhance the friendship and to facilitate bilateral economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Yang Xunlei, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy to Botswana, officials from the Ministry of International Affairs and Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, representatives of local media attended the signing ceremony.