1. Political Relations
Since the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Botswana established diplomatic relations on 6 January 1975, the bilateral ties have been on a stable and healthy path of development. The year 2005 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. As a celebration, President Mr. Hu Jintao of China and President Mr. Mogae of Botswana exchanged congratulatory messages with each other.
High-profile visitors to Botswana from China include Vice-Premier Mr. Li Peng in September 1986 and Vice-Premier Mr. Zhu Rongji in July 1995, Foreign Minister Mr. Qian Qichen in July 1989 and Foreign Minister Mr. Tang Jiaxuan in January 2003, Mr. Chi Haotian, Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission of China, State Councillor and Defence Minister, in November 1998, State Councillor Ms. Wu Yi in January 2000 and Mr. Wei Jianxing, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China in June 2002.
High-ranking visitors to China from Botswana are as follows: President Sir Seretse Khama in July 1976, Mr. Festus G. Mogae as Vice-President in June 1996 and as President in June 2000, President Mr. Katumile Masire in November 1983 and in September 1991, Speaker of National Assembly Mr. Molomo in October 2001, Foreign Minister Mr. Archie Mogwe in June 1978, Foreign Minister Dr. Gaositwe Chiepe in February 1988 and Foreign Minister Mr. Mompati Merafhe in May 1998.
2. Economic, Trade and technical relations and cooperation
An agreement on trade has been signed between China and Botswana. In 2004, China's export to Botswana reached USD$49.54 million while the import was USD$2.86 million. China's main export items to Botswana include textile, garments, machinery and electronic products. There is a big scale of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, with Botswana being one of the key market niches for Chinese companies to explore project contracting business in Africa. The completed projects of significance include office building of Botswana Airlines, computer building of University of Botswana, Gaborone sewage farm and so on. China and Botswana have also signed an agreement on investment protection. As of the end of 2003, 8 Chinese companies have set up business in Botswana with a total investment of USD$ 4.905 million, out of which USD 4.725million is from the Chinese side.
3. Bilateral Exchanges in the Fields of Culture, Education and Health
China and Botswana have signed agreements on educational and cultural cooperation. Delegations of education and culture of the two countries have exchanged visits. There were eight students from Botswana studying in China in 2003. Since 1981, China has been successively dispatching medical teams to work in Botswana. At present, a medical team of forty-two members is working in Botswana.
4. Joint Communiqué Regarding the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic Of China and the Republic of Botswana
The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Botswana have decided to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level as of January 6th 1975.
The Government of the People's Republic of China resolutely supports the just struggle of the Government of the Republic of Botswana for safeguarding national independence and state sovereignty and developing national economy.
The Government of the Republic of Botswana acknowledges that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the entire Chinese people and that Taiwan Province is an inseparable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China.
The two governments agree to develop friendly relations and cooperation between China and Botswana on the basis of the following principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression against the other country, non-interference into internal affairs of the other country, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.
Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations Huang Hua
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Botswana and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations Morgami
January 6th 1975 in New York
