On the evening of 27th September 2018, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo and his wife Mrs. Mao Xuehong held the National Day Reception at Gaborone International Convention Center celebrating the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

H.E. Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former President of the Republic of Botswana, Hon. Nonofo Molefhi, acting minister of international affairs and cooperation, minister of presidential affairs, governance and public administration and senior government officials, members of parliament, heads of diplomatic missions and representatives from Chinese community and various circles of Botswana society of around 300 guests attended the reception. Chinese ambassador H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo and acting minister of international affairs and cooperation Hon. Nonofo Molefhi delivered remarks at the reception.

Ambassador Zhao said 69 years since the founding of the People’s Republic under the leadership of the Communist Party of China have witnessed significant changes of China from the least developed country to one of the world’s top economies, the largest industrial producer, largest trader of goods and the holder of the largest foreign exchange reserve with an average annual GDP growth rate of 9.5% and 14.5% in foreign trade. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s economic reform and opening-up which contributed immensely to the economic growth of China.

Ambassador Zhao pointed out that while developing herself, China pursues a path of common development. Over the years, China has done its best to help Africa’s development and shared her development outcomes with Africa in line with the principle of sincerity, friendship and equality. China successfully held the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit earlier this month, during which leaders of China and 53 African countries reached consensus on building an even stronger community with a shared future through win-win cooperation. China-African relations have been lifted to a new high.

Ambassador Zhao commended highly the latest development of China-Botswana relations. He hailed the historic importance of the recent state visit by H.E. President Masisi to China. He highlighted the fruitful results on high level exchanges, development cooperation and friendship building between the two countries. He said the successful visit would bring about a new era for bilateral relations with joint efforts of both sides to implement cooperation outcomes on trade, investment and tourism, as well as infrastructure development.

Acting minister of international affairs and cooperation Hon. Nonofo Molefhi congratulated on the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and commended the social and economic achievements of China. He said that the recent state visit by H.E. President Masisi to China, served to further strengthen the bilateral relations. He further stated that the visit not only evoked interest here at home but also was a declaration that Botswana and China were on a firm path to forge ahead in partnership to contribute to Botswana’s development agenda.

Hon. Minister Molefhi expressed the appreciation on behalf of Botswana government for the invaluable support China has consistently rendered to Botswana. He said over the years, Botswana has and continues to benefit from Chinese assistance in a wide range of areas including infrastructure development, health, education and human resource as well. He said Botswana is willing to further enhance cooperation with China in various fields. He congratulated China for the successful hosting of the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, stressing that it was not only of huge diplomatic significance, but also served to concretely strengthen China-Africa partnership in line with the Africa 2063 Agenda. In conclusion he said Botswana stands ready to work with China, to advance the ideals espoused in FOCAC.

Videos on China’s 40 years of reform and opening-up and FOCAC were played during the reception. A photo exhibition of President Masisi’s state visit to China and attendance of FOCAC Beijing Summit was also held in the meantime, which attracted significant attention and positive feedback. Guests spoke highly of the developments in China. The reception concluded in a friendly and joyful atmosphere and attracted a number of local media.